Importance Score: 40 / 100 🔵
Cricket Australia Awards Contract to Rising Star Sam Konstas
Promising young talent Sam Konstas has been recognized with his inaugural Cricket Australia contract, though his position as opening batsman for the World Test Championship final remains uncertain. The New South Wales (NSW) top-order batter joins slow left-arm orthodox bowler Matt Kuhnemann and Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster as new additions to the contracted player list for the 2025-26 season. These contract announcements highlight Cricket Australia’s focus on both emerging talent and rewarding consistent performers within the national setup.
Key Players Rewarded with Contracts
Matt Kuhnemann distinguished himself in two Test matches in Sri Lanka. Following this performance, he addressed concerns regarding his bowling action. Beau Webster, initially upgraded last season, retains his contract after a notable elevation to Test cricket for the decisive Border-Gavaskar series match in January. These selections reflect Cricket Australia’s strategy to broaden their player pool and acknowledge impactful performances.
Konstas Eyes Test Championship Opportunity
Despite missing selection for the Sri Lanka Tests, where selectors opted to promote Travis Head to opener alongside veteran Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, aged 19, is considered a future prospect for Australian cricket. He remains a strong contender for the upcoming World Test Championship final, the subsequent tour of the West Indies, and the home Ashes series next summer. His inclusion in the contract list underscores Cricket Australia’s investment in his development and potential.
Selection Decisions for World Test Championship
George Bailey, Chairman of selectors, remained cautious when questioned about Konstas’s potential return for the World Test Championship final. This comes as Travis Head is widely expected to revert to his middle-order position for the Lord’s fixture. The selection dynamics for the crucial match are further complicated by the return of another key player.
Cameron Green’s Return and Top-Order Competition
All-rounder Cameron Green is anticipated to be available as a specialist batter against South Africa, having recovered from a back injury that sidelined him for six months. This development could create competition within Australia’s top six batting lineup. While Green has recently batted at No. 4 in Test matches, the opener position presents a potential opening.
“We anticipate Cam Green’s return… he will travel to England and participate in some cricket leading up to the World Test Championship final,” Bailey stated. “Alongside Sam, we have also witnessed strong performances from Beau Webster and Josh Inglis when presented with opportunities. We will evaluate these options in the coming month.”
Bailey further elaborated on the selection approach for the Test Championship, saying, “We have generally approached the World Test Championships as standalone matches, tailored to the specific conditions, particularly in England. Our team composition and structure for this event may differ from the subsequent Test tour to the West Indies.”
Khawaja’s Experience and Continued Performance
Usman Khawaja, at 38, achieved the distinction of becoming the second-oldest Australian to score a Test double century, scoring 232 in Sri Lanka. Despite facing challenges against Jasprit Bumrah during the summer, Bailey expressed confidence in Khawaja’s ability to maintain his performance levels as he approaches 39.
“He has openly stated his preference not to fixate on a career end date,” Bailey commented regarding Khawaja. “We prioritize player performance over age when making selections.”
Murphy and Connolly Miss Out on Contracts
Spinner Todd Murphy was omitted from the contract list after selectors favoured young all-rounder Cooper Connolly for the second Test in Sri Lanka. Connolly, who debuted for Australia across all three formats in the past year, also did not receive a contract.
Marsh Retains Contract
Mitchell Marsh retains his contract, solidifying his status as a vital component of Australia’s white-ball squads, even as his Test career appears to have concluded following Webster’s selection.
Cricket Australia Men’s Contract List 2025-26
The following players have been awarded Cricket Australia men’s contracts for the 2025-26 season:
- Xavier Bartlett
- Scott Boland
- Alex Carey
- Pat Cummins
- Nathan Ellis
- Cameron Green
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Usman Khawaja
- Sam Konstas
- Matthew Kuhnemann
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Nathan Lyon
- Mitchell Marsh
- Glenn Maxwell
- Lance Morris
- Jhye Richardson
- Matt Short
- Steve Smith
- Mitchell Starc
- Beau Webster
- Adam Zampa