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Apr 01, 2026

Cricket Australia trims 2026‑27 squad, dropping Sam Konstas and Glenn Maxwell amid packed calendar

AI Summary
Australia’s Cricket Board confirmed a 21‑man contract list for the demanding 2026‑27 season, rewarding Ashes winners while excluding Sam Konstas and Glenn Maxwell. Selectors, led by George Bailey, emphasized Konstas’ potential despite recent poor form and outlined a grueling schedule that includes a Bangladesh series, multiple overseas tours and a 150th Anniversary Test at the MCG.

Cricket Australia released its 21‑man contract roster for the 2026‑27 season, rewarding most Ashes‑winning players but leaving out Sam Konstas and veteran all‑rounder Glenn Maxwell as the board prepares for an unusually dense calendar.

Fast‑bowler Brendan Doggett, who debuted in the opening Ashes Test at Perth last November, secured his first national contract. Meanwhile, opener Jake Weatherald retained an upgraded deal despite a modest series average of 22.33 runs.

Both Michael Neser and spinner Todd Murphy were again awarded full contracts, reflecting the board’s focus on depth ahead of a schedule that kicks off with a two‑match home Test series against Bangladesh in August.

Following the Bangladesh series, Australia will embark on ODI tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa, a home white‑ball series versus England, and a marathon stretch of 10 Test matches in 14 weeks. The latter includes contests against New Zealand, India and the historic 150th Anniversary Test at the MCG.

Konstas, who burst onto the scene with a memorable 60‑run debut against India on Boxing Day 2024, failed to build on that promise, accumulating only 103 runs across nine further Test innings for an average of 16.30. The lack of consistency cost him a place on the new list.

Despite the setback, selector chair George Bailey stressed that the 20‑year‑old’s journey is far from over. “He is highly talented and still on a development path,” Bailey said. “We saw encouraging signs toward the end of the season, with more consistent starts in the Sheffield Shield.”

Bailey added that Konstas could feature in the upcoming Australia A tour to India, noting the board’s continued interest in his progress.

Alongside Konstas and Maxwell, the contract cuts also affected Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson and Matt Short. Long‑time opener Usman Khawaja remains absent following his retirement.

Weatherald’s contract renewal signals the selectors’ confidence in his potential to open the batting against Bangladesh, although Bailey cautioned that final selections will be made closer to each series, with extensive camp periods in Brisbane to fine‑tune the squad.

Current contracted players: Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Adam Zampa.