Maxwell axed, veterans retained: No central contract for ‘Big Show’ in Cricket Australia’s 2026-27 list

Glenn Maxwell and Sam Konstas are among the marquee names dropped from Cricket Australia’s (CA) central contract list for 2026/27, with the Australian cricket board retaining the Ashes core, including Test veterans. While Test opener Jake Weatherald earned his maiden central contract inclusion, alongside bowlers Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett, Western Australia seamer Jhye Richardson shockingly missed the cut. Off-spinner Todd Murphy is also among the 21 listed names, with veteran Nathan Lyon and left-arm finger spinner Matthew Kuhnemann joining him.

Australia faces a gruelling 12-month schedule featuring away tours to South Africa and India, home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, and the historic 150th Anniversary Test against England at the MCG. With a potential WTC Final and the 2027 Ashes on the horizon, CA has prioritised red-ball depth in its contract logic.

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High-profile casualties of this shift include the retired Usman Khawaja, white-ball talisman Glenn Maxwell, and rising star Sam Konstas. The omission of Konstas raises questions about the Test opening slot; while Jake Weatherald’s inclusion suggests he is the frontrunner, the versatile Travis Head remains a potent option to move up the order.

"The contract list strives to balance reward for performances over time with a lens to the upcoming schedule," national selector George Bailey said. "The next 12 months encompass a busy Test schedule across a range of conditions and challenges - South Africa, India and England, as well as the Top End and home Tests across the summer.

"This is reflected in the contract list through a predominance of Test and multi-format players for this cycle. Given the upcoming schedule of series, we know we will continue to need and utilise players outside of those contracted.

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"This year, perhaps more than ever, it is essential we continue working closely with and collaborate with states to ensure players are developing and ready for International cricket when they get opportunities."

Also, among the notable absentees from the list is Queenslander Matthew Renshaw, who made his white-ball debuts this season and averaged close to 50 in the Shield.

Check out the CA men's central contracts 2026-27 list -

Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Adam Zampa

In: Brendan Doggett, Jake Weatherald, Michael Neser, Todd Murphy

Out: Usman Khawaja (retired), Sam Konstas, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matt Short

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