Cricket Australia (CA) on Friday announced the list of 17 men players who were offered national contracts for the 2021-22 season. Former Australia Test vice-captain Travis Head and wicket-keeper batsman Matthew Wade missed out while young all-rounder Cameron Green handed a contract. According to CA, the contracts are primarily assessed on player performances during the past 12 months and identify those whom the National Selection Panel believes will represent the Australian teams over the year ahead.
Opening batsman Joe Burns, who dropped during the Test series against India, and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh have also missed out on the contracts. In an official statement, national selector Trevor Hohns said, "We have great confidence in the 17 players announced today. The Australian men's team enters a busy year of high-quality cricket across all three formats."
Hohns further said, "There are two main reasons behind the size of the contract list announced today. Firstly, we have seen format specialisation become increasingly prevalent in recent seasons which, accordingly, has resulted in a broader group of players representing Australia, often beyond the initial list of contracted players at the start of each year. Secondly, we want to create an environment where players strive for national selection through consistent domestic performances and earn national contracts through consistent international performances."
Green has elevated to his first full contract after playing all four Tests against India last summer. He said, "His 84 in the second innings against India at the SCG demonstrated excellent technique and resolve. We are confident his bowling will be impactful at the international level. His domestic form was also outstanding, and we expect he will only get better with more international exposure."
Burns, Head, Wade, Marsh and Marcus Stoinis (upgraded during the 2020-21 season) did not retain national contracts. But will afford every opportunity to press for selection in Australian squads. Hohns further said, "The NSP continues to hold Joe Burns, Travis Head, Matthew Wade. Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis in high regard. And expect that they, and many others across Australian Cricket, will continue to make strong cases for national selection next season."
Hohns said Australian men's teams well placed for success across all three formats. He said, "Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and David Warner are all ranked among the top ten Test batsmen. While Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc rated in the top ten Test bowlers."
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