Australian veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been excluded from Cricket Australia’s central contracts roster, sparking speculation about his future involvement in international cricket at the age of 37.
Cricket Australia unveiled a 21-player contract list heavily concentrated on players regularly featuring in Test matches.
Maxwell’s name did not appear on Australia’s central contracts list for the 2026–27 season.
The last time Maxwell played a Test match was in 2017, and he has not been part of the red-ball cricket plans since then.
Australian all-rounder Maxwell has been excluded from Cricket Australia’s central contracts for the 2026–27 season, as the board opted for a squad primarily focused on its Test core in preparation for a busy red-ball schedule.
On Wednesday, April 1, Cricket Australia revealed a 21-player list, reflecting the team’s priorities over the upcoming year, including facing multiple Test series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, India, and England.
Maxwell’s absence was one of the key decisions. Despite being available for T20Is, the 37-year-old’s position in that format is not guaranteed. Maxwell’s impact in Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign was minimal, leading to selectors potentially considering other options for the 2028 edition.
This signals a potentially definitive period for Glenn Maxwell, marred by injuries off the field and disciplinary issues raised by Cricket Australia.
‘GENERATIONAL’ KONSTAS DROPPED
The contracts list also indicated shifts within the Test squad.
Sam Konstas, a top-order batsman who rose impressively in the 2024–25 season, was left out due to a decline in form, while Jake Weatherald retained his spot despite modest performances during the Ashes series.
Konstas, praised as a standout talent, gained recognition during Australia’s 2024 home Test series against India. However, a recent slump has hindered his progress.
Fast bowler Brendan Doggett earned his first contract after a commendable performance, claiming seven wickets in two matches against England.
Michael Neser and Todd Murphy reappeared on the list, while Jhye Richardson was omitted due to ongoing injury concerns. Lance Morris from Western Australia was axed following a back injury, and white-ball all-rounder Matt Short was not retained.
Retired opener Usman Khawaja was also absent from the list.
Overall, the roster underscores a heightened emphasis on red-ball cricket, showcasing Australia’s efforts to strengthen depth around a stable Test core.
For Maxwell, the trajectory has been apparent for some time. The recent decision formalizes the board’s strategic direction.
Australia’s Contracted Players in 2026-27
Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazle