Cricket Australia Unveils New Central Contracts, Stoinis Omitted
Cricket Australia (CA) has unveiled its new central contracts for the 2024-25 season, with several notable omissions and additions. Veteran all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who has been battling back injuries, is the most prominent name missing from the list.
Stoinis, a key member of Australia’s World Cup-winning squad last year, is an integral part of the short-format team. However, CA has opted to prioritize younger players ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA.
Other players who have missed out on contracts include all-rounder Ashton Agar, opener Marcus Harris, pacer Michael Neser, and recently retired star David Warner.
In their place, CA has awarded deals to a handful of new faces. All-rounders Matt Short and Aaron Hardie have been upgraded to the contract list after impressive performances during the summer. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis and young right-armer Xavier Bartlett have also earned full-time contracts.
Bartlett impressed with his bowling against the West Indies earlier this year, taking two four-wicket hauls in ODIs and 2/37 in the solitary T20I he played.
Cricket Australia selection chair George Bailey expressed confidence in the potential of the new contracted players. “Matt, Aaron, and Xavier have been extremely impressive in the early stages of their international careers,” he said. “Their performances and the way they have embraced the international stage have been exciting to watch.”
“The panel believes they have strong futures and deserve their contracts as they work towards striving to become regulars in the Australian setup,” he added.