Veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been left out of the 2026-27 central contract list announced by Cricket Australia. The omission raises serious questions over whether Maxwell still fits into the long-term plans for the national team, as Cricket Australia unveiled its 21-player list of contracted players.
Maxwell retired from ODI cricket last year and last played a Test match for Australia in 2017. The cricketer is available for selection in T20Is, but even there his position is not completely secure. He failed to make an impact during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, where the team failed to progress beyond the group stage.
Australia removes Glenn Maxwell from 2026-27 contract
Cricket Australia released a 21-player central contract list for 2026-27, with a greater focus on Test specialists. The board took the decision keeping in mind the busy red-ball schedule over the next 12 months, including series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, India and England.
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Glenn Maxwell was dropped as the board shifted towards a Test core. His recent form, injuries and off-field issues played a role in this. Sam Konstas also missed out due to a dip in performances, while Jhye Richardson, Lance Morris, Matt Short and the retired Usman Khawaja were not included.
Jake Weatherald retained his place despite modest returns in the Ashes series, while Brendan Doggett earned his first contract after taking seven wickets in two matches against England. Michael Neser and Todd Murphy returned to the list.
Australia is set to play 15 Tests next year, including six at home, two against Bangladesh, four against New Zealand, three in South Africa and five in India. They currently top the WTC 2025-27 table and are favorites for the final, with the Ashes likely to be held in England in mid-2027.
The need for and use of players outside the contracted list will continue – George Bailey
George Bailey said that contract selections were based on performance and the challenging program ahead. He said non-contracted players would still be used and said strong coordination with state teams was needed to keep players ready for international opportunities.
“The next 12 months involve a busy test schedule amid a variety of circumstances and challenges,” Bailey said. “This is reflected in the contract list for this cycle through the predominance of Test and multi-format players.
“Given the upcoming series schedule we know we will continue to need and utilize players outside of contracted players.
“This year, perhaps more than ever, it is essential that we continue to work closely and collaborate with states to ensure that players are developing and ready for international cricket when the opportunity arises.”
Australia’s contracted players in 2026-27
Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Brendon Doggett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnman, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster and Adam Zampa.
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