ACB Contracts Announced

Michael Clarke, Bradley Hogg and Ashley Noffke were the big winners as Australia announced their list of 25 contracted players for season 2003-04 today.

Cricket Australia announced a largely predictable list of players, with the list's only potential surprise that of Shane Warne, who is currently serving a suspension for drugs.

Warne is ineligible to take part in cricket until February 2003, leaving him just a mere two months of cricket over the 12-month contract period.

Shane Watson also received a contract despite his likely absence through much of next summer due to stress fractures in his back.

Specialist batsman Clarke, meanwhile, was rewarded for his promising summer with his first ACB contract. His contract follows an ODI debut and a call-up to the Australian Test squad in the past calendar year.

Noffke received his second contract, regaining the post he held during the 2001-02 season as one of Australia's 25 elite.

He is currently touring the West Indies with the Australian Test squad and has been touted as a possible successor to Glenn McGrath.

Western Australian spinner Bras Hogg has capped off a dream 2003 with his first full contract. He was awarded a base contract this summer after playing the minimum amount of matches to receive the contract.

Alternatively, Warriors teammate and Australia 'A' batsman Mike Hussey has lost his contract following an indifferent domestic summer with the bat.

New South Wales spearhead Stuart Clark also lost his contract, while Mark Waugh's retirement meant that he would no longer be funded by the ACB.

Despite speculation of their promotion to the elite ranks, Tasmanian Sean Clingeleffer and Paul Rofe of South Australia missed out on contracts, instead being paid by their states rather than the national board.

Fringe pace bowlers Brad Williams and Nathan Bracken both retained their contracts, as did developing off-spinner Nathan Hauritz.

Players are listed from 1 to 25, with player number one receiving the highest contract and number 25 receiving base wage.

Posted by Andre