Konstas and Kuhnemann Awarded CA Contracts, Connolly Misses Out

Konstas and Kuhnemann Earn CA Contracts as Connolly, Fraser-McGurk Miss Out

Sam Konstas and Matt Kuhnemann have capped off breakthrough seasons with central contracts from Cricket Australia for 2025–26, signaling their growing importance to Australia’s Test setup. The pair, along with allrounder Beau Webster, are the new additions to the 23-player list, while Sean Abbott, Aaron Hardie, and Todd Murphy have been dropped.

Konstas and Kuhnemann Set for Bigger Test Roles

Konstas, just 19, looks to be a long-term Test investment despite losing his spot during the recent Sri Lanka tour. He debuted during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scoring a memorable 60 in his first innings. “Sam shows great potential and we believe he will continue to grow in both first-class and international cricket,” said national selector George Bailey.

Kuhnemann’s elevation follows a rollercoaster few months. After initially being in doubt for the Sri Lanka tour due to a broken thumb, he starred in both Tests before being reported for a suspect action — from which he was later cleared. He now sits firmly as Australia’s No. 2 Test spinner behind Nathan Lyon. “Matt was outstanding again in Sri Lanka,” Bailey added. “We see him playing a key role over the next 18 months.”

Connolly and Fraser-McGurk Left Out

The omission of Cooper Connolly has raised eyebrows. He featured across all formats last season — including Australia’s most recent Test and ODI sides — and was in contention for the T20I series against Pakistan before a broken finger ruled him out. Despite receiving an upgraded contract last year, he has not been included in the central list for 2025–26.

Jake Fraser-McGurk also misses out, despite playing five ODIs and seven T20Is in the last 12 months and being named in Australia’s Champions Trophy squad. He was overlooked for the semi-final against India, with Connolly picked instead.

Other Notable Changes and Retentions

Todd Murphy drops off the contract list, largely due to Australia's lack of tours in spin-friendly conditions this season. While there’s a slim chance two spinners could be used during the Caribbean Tests, Kuhnemann and Lyon are the preferred pairing for now.

Mitchell Marsh retains his spot despite losing his Test place. He remains captain of Australia’s T20I side heading into a World Cup year. “His Test career isn’t over,” Bailey insisted, despite a poor run in the Border-Gavaskar series.

Injury-prone quicks Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson have been retained as investments for the future. Richardson is currently recovering from his third shoulder surgery. Xavier Bartlett also remains contracted despite being overlooked for the Champions Trophy, where Australia’s frontline quicks were unavailable.

T20 specialists Marcus Stoinis and Tim David, as with last year, have not been offered central deals but are eligible for upgrades. So are players like Abbott, Hardie, Fraser-McGurk, and Connolly, who could earn contracts through national selection.

Australia are set to play 19 T20Is, nine ODIs, and seven Tests in the 2025–26 contract period, including the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka and a home Ashes series.

📝 Cricket Australia Men’s Contract List 2025–26:

• New additions: Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Beau Webster

• Retained: Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa

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