Chloe Ainsworth and Lucy Hamilton have been handed their first central contracts, with Cricket Australia unveiling an 18-player list for the 2026-27 season. The update includes three alterations from the previous group, and it also brings all-rounder Nicola Carey into the contracted ranks. Carey had already secured an improvement earlier, after her performances during Australia’s recent tour of the West Indies.
At a glance
- Central contracts awarded: 18 players for the 2026-27 season
- New first-time contracts: Chloe Ainsworth and Lucy Hamilton
- Additional contracted player: Nicola Carey (after an earlier upgrade)
- Not renewed from the prior list: Tayla Vlaeminck and Tess Flintoff
- International retirement noted: Alyssa Healy
- Next 12 months include: T20 World Cup in England, home white-ball series vs Bangladesh and New Zealand, away tour in Sri Lanka and South Africa
Cricket Australia’s announcement confirmed that Tayla Vlaeminck and Tess Flintoff, who were part of the 2025-26 contracts list, will not be renewed for 2026-27. The board also referenced the wider context of squad planning, noting that former captain Alyssa Healy has recently stepped away from international cricket.
Alongside the 18 players receiving contracts, Australia indicated that other performers can still earn later upgrades during the season window—Carey being the most recent example of that pathway. The central contract structure, CA says, is designed to recognise both existing impact and form that emerges over the year.
What Cricket Australia said
Shawn Flegler, Head of Performance (Women’s Cricket) and National Selector, said it was “exciting” to see Hamilton and Ainsworth secure their first national deals, praising the domestic performances that helped them earn the step up. He also highlighted Carey’s recent upgrade and pointed to her strong showings across the last two series.
Flegler added that while Vlaeminck and Flintoff are not included this year, Australia will continue to back their development. He stressed that both remain firmly in contention for future selection.
Looking ahead, Australia’s schedule over the next 12 months begins with participation in a T20 World Cup in England. After that, they are set to play white-ball matches at home against Bangladesh and New Zealand, followed by an away assignment in Sri Lanka and South Africa.
Contracts list: Chloe Ainsworth, Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
