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Konstas, Webster And Kuhnemann: New Faces In Cricket Australia's Central Contracts
Follow UsThe trio have been added in the 23-member list following their impressive performances in the recent series
Australia have rewarded batter Sam Konstas, all-rounder Beau Webster and spinner Matthew Kuhnemann with central contracts for 2025-26, Cricket Australia announced on April 1 (Tuesday). This comes after the trio impressed with their performances in the recent Test series against India and Sri Lanka.
Konstas started his Test career with a bang, taking on the likes of Jasprit Bumrah at ease during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). He smashed 60 in his debut innings, which tilted the momentum of the series in hosts' favour.
Webster, too, made his debut in the same series, scoring a fifty. He was able to chip in with more overs than Mitchell Marsh, who was dropped midway. He also played a key role in Sri Lanka, where the pacer picked up a couple of wickets with his off-spin.
Kuhnemann, the Player of the Series in Sri Lanka, with 16 wickets in two Tests, also got the nod, having made a superb start to his Test career. He now has 35 wickets from five Tests and has proved to be an able partner for Nathan Lyon. The 28-year-old was banned from bowling after his action was reported but has since been cleared.
"Matt was outstanding once again in Sri Lanka, and we believe he can play a key role across the next 18 months," chairman of selectors George Bailey said.
"In Beau's case, he proved more than comfortable at Test level with bat and ball, adds an additional dimension in the field and to the balance of the side.
"In Sam we see promising upside in a young player who will continue to develop at first class level and in the international environment."
All-rounder Cameron Green, who continues to recover from his injury, has retained his place along with Marsh, who is currently contracted to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
"With Cameron Green and Mitch Marsh returning, there will be welcome and healthy competition for places for the World Test Championship and West Indies tours," Bailey added.
Cricket Australia contracted players for 2025-26: Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Nathan Lyon, Alex Carey, Sam Konstas, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Jhye Richardson, Scott Boland, Lance Morris, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa, Travis Head, Matt Short, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Marsh, Beau Webster, Cameron Green, Xavier Bartlett