Cricket Australia has announced the list of 23 centrally contacted men’s players, with seasoned allrounder Marcus Stoinis failing to make the cut. He is a big name missing from the group of 23 players. New faces in pacers Nathan Ellis and Xavier Bartlett have been rewarded with the lucrative contract following their impressive performances earlier this year. Ellis played for Australia in ODIs and T20Is against South Africa on Australia’s tour, and also featured in T20Is in India and New Zealand. 

Matt Short and Aaron Hardie are other new faces to have been put on the list of 23 players. Missing out from the contract, other than Marcus Stoinis, are Ashton Agar, Marcus Harris, David Warner and Michael Neser. 

Stoinis remains the most conspicuous absentee, however he is likely to be considered in Australia’s team for the upcoming T20I World Cup in June. Of late, Marcus Stoinis has battled back injuries, missing out on crucial outings for Australia. T20I specialist Tim David and Matthew Wade, who received upgrades in the 2023-24 contract, are also not on this year’s list. 

Chair of selectors George Bailey remarking on the list said it was drafted considering the huge future these players have ahead. 

"Matt, Aaron and Xavier have been extremely impressive in the early stages of their international careers. Their performances and the way they have embraced the international stage have been exciting to watch," George Bailey said. 

"The panel believes they have strong futures and deserve their contracts as they work towards striving to become regulars in the Australian setup," he said.

Cricket Australia contracted players 2024-25: Sean Abbott, Xavier Barlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Jhye Richardson, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.