MELBOURNE: Australia’s contracts list for the 2024/25 season sees all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and spin bowler Ashton Agar omitted, reflecting their dwindling favor with selectors. Stoinis lost his ODI spot to Marnus Labuschagne during the World Cup in India and hasn’t returned since, while Agar has featured only once internationally in the past year.
The exclusion of the Western Australian pair, alongside test opener Marcus Harris, paceman Michael Neser, and the retired David Warner, marks a significant shift in the 23-man central contracts list unveiled on Thursday.
This annual roster provides insight into the hierarchy within Australian cricket as it preludes the forthcoming season, although players can ascend based on their performance throughout the year. Queensland’s Xavier Bartlett emerges as the solitary addition, his stellar performances in the debut ODI series against West Indies and T20I debut earning him recognition.
Meanwhile, Tasmania’s Nathan Ellis, Western Australia’s Aaron Hardie, and white-ball specialist Matt Short retain their contracts following their elevation during the previous season.
George Bailey, the chief selector, lauded the contributions of Short, Hardie, and Bartlett, expressing confidence in their potential to establish themselves as fixtures in the Australian setup.
As Australia, the reigning ODI and test champions, prepares for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the United States and the Caribbean, these roster adjustments underscore the team’s commitment to sustaining success on the global stage.
