Overview
- Cricket Australia, which released the list Wednesday, set a 21-player roster that leans to Test and multi-format roles for a planned 20-Test stretch within 12 months.
- Veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and young opener Sam Konstas were left out, with fast bowler Jhye Richardson a surprise omission, while Brendan Doggett, Jake Weatherald, Michael Neser and Todd Murphy secured places.
- Selectors cut the group from recent lists of up to 23 to channel more money to leading players, a move allowed under the CA–players’ agreement that permits 20 to 24 men’s contracts each year.
- Officials said non-contracted players will still be used and can earn upgrades if they meet match thresholds during the season.
- The contract window covers Bangladesh at home in August, a tour of South Africa, a long home summer against New Zealand, five Tests in India, and the 150th‑anniversary Test against England, with a World Test Championship final also possible.