Australian contracts announced

Cricket Australia has announced its contracted players list for the upcoming year with a few surprises.

The notable exclusions were Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Damien Martyn and Justin Langer who all retired from international cricket over the past few months.

Also omitted were Michael Kasprowicz and Simon Katich who have lost favour with the selectors in recent times. Interestingly enough, Jason Gillespie was retained despite having not played an international game since April 2006.

Australia have also laid their blueprint for the future, naming Ben Hilfenhaus, Cullen Bailey, Daniel Cullen, Phil Jaques, Chris Rogers and Adam Voges in the central contracts list.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch spoke of the difficulties presented to the board with the recent retirements of start players.

“With the recent retirements of great players, Australian cricket is presented with a great challenge over the next 24 months,” Hilditch said.

“While we are thrilled with the team’s recent performances in claiming the Champions Trophy, the Ashes series and the World Cup we can now look forward to what can be seen as a new era for Australian cricket.

“The retirement of Shane Warne is a significant issue for Australian cricket. While he is obviously irreplaceable we are pleased that we have experienced spinners in Stuart MacGill, who has a great Test record, and Brad Hogg, who has just finished a highly successful World Cup.

“We will also look to Cullen Bailey and Dan Cullen to continue with their exciting development and realise their potential.”

“This list of players still represents a very experienced group but also includes some exciting young talent that will ensure our reign as champions in both Test and one-day cricket can continue.”

CA contracted players for 2007-08:
Cullen Bailey, Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke, Daniel Cullen, Adam Gilchrist, Jason Gillespie, Brad Haddin, Matthew Hayden, Ben Hilfenhaus, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, James Hopes, Michael Hussey, Phil Jaques, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Stuart MacGill, Ricky Ponting, Chris Rogers, Andrew Symonds, Shaun Tait, Adam Voges, Shane Watson, Cameron White.