Veteran opener David Warner, who has retired from ODI and Test cricket, along with all-rounders Ashton Agar and Marcus Stoinis, was on March 28 dropped from Cricket Australia's list of centrally-contracted players for the 2024-25 season.
Besides, Victoria opener Marcus Harris and pacer Michael Neser have also missed out on contracts that were offered to 23 players, stated a report by 'cricket.com.au'.
Australia have a hectic season ahead that will feature the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies in June and a home Test series against India towards the end of the year among other engagements.
Warner's omission was expected as he intends to call it quits from the game after the T20 World Cup. He is currently in India, playing in the IPL for Delhi Capitals.
Stoinis is the most notable omission. However, the 34-year-old, who is currently playing with Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, remains in contention for the upcoming T20 World Cup despite missing Australia's recent tour of New Zealand with a back injury.
Pacers Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis are among those who have been offered contracts for the first time.
Bartlett (25) and Ellis (29) are joined by Victoria and Adelaide Strikers batter Matt Short (28), and Western Australia all-rounder Aaron Hardie (25) as the four new faces on this year's central contract list.
The four players have already made their international debut for Australia.
Short and Hardie made their debuts during last year's T20 series in South Africa, while Ellis played in Australia's ODI and T20I tour of South Africa, and T20 campaigns in India and New Zealand.
He, however, missed the home white-ball series against the West Indies due to a rib injury.
"Matt, Aaron and Xavier have been extremely impressive in the early stages of their international careers," national selection chair George Bailey was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au "Their performances and the way they have embraced the international stage has been exciting to watch.
"The panel believes they have strong futures and are deserved of their contracts as they work towards striving to become regulars in the Australian setup."
Cricket Australia contracted men’s players 2024-25
Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, 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.
