Australia cricket contracts: Jhye Richardson, Matthew Wade miss out in major surprise calls

There’s a new King in Aussie cricket and it’s created a new world order in the women’s team. Plus, the big omissions from Australia’s men’s contract list.

Fast bowling gun Jhye Richardson was a shock omission from Cricket Australia’s contract list, as is World Cup hero Matthew Wade.

Selectors have decided to reward 32-year-old revelation Scott Boland with a lucrative central contract following his extraordinary debut summer, but it seems to have come at the expense of Richardson.

In the past, Cricket Australia has contracted the likes of Pat Cummins and James Pattinson even when they have been toiling through extended periods on the sidelines through injury, with the view that the investment will pay off in the future.

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Jhye Richardson took a five-wicket haul against England during the Ashes summer.

Richardson was brilliant in his one Test match for the summer in Adelaide, but missed the remaining Ashes Tests with a minor injury – opening the door for Boland to come in and steal the show.

As Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood move into their early 30s, Richardson is emerging as a key player of the future, particularly ahead of next year’s Ashes tour of the UK.

However, for now, selectors want Richardson to continue to fight for his place and build his case through the state system after missing a couple of years with shoulder problems.

Wade is the other surprising omission, given he was instrumental in winning Australia its maiden Twenty20 World Cup last year with a clutch batting performance in the semi-final.

Despite the World Cup defence coming up in Australia later this year, Wade has been overlooked – with young Josh Inglis given his first central deal as the back-up for Alex Carey at Test level and a huge prospect to cement a permanent place in the T20 team.

Usman Khawaja is back on the contract list after his outstanding tour of Pakistan, and it would now appear he’s a genuine chance of making it to India and England next year aged 36.

Mitchell Swepson has also been named on the list of the top 20 players following his debut in Pakistan and in anticipation of his vital role in Test matches in Sri Lanka this winter and India early next year.

Ashton Agar has earned a contract in anticipation that he is part of Australia’s plans across all three formats this year even if he’s not necessarily in the first XI.

The spinner could play a part in Sri Lanka in June and is also a likely part of the World Cup defence, despite only featuring in one match during last year’s title victory.

Matthew Wade’s heroics in the UAE couldn’t earn him another central contract.

National Selector George Bailey praised Khawaja, Boland, Swepson, Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis and Travis Head for their break-out years.

“The performances by Mitch Marsh, Usman, Travis, Scott, Marcus and Mitch Swepson were pivotal in helping secure those successes and we are pleased they have retained their contracts for the upcoming year after being rewarded with upgrades throughout the past season,” he said.

“We believe this group provide us great coverage and versatility across all formats while others, as we saw in the past year, will continue to get opportunities to play a big part.

“With a tour of Sri Lanka, a home World Cup, home summer and tour of India, there is an enormous amount of cricket to be played where the strength of our squads and depth will be challenged.

“To contract just 20 players was challenging given the number of key series and the cycle of upcoming T20 and one-day World Cups, all of which will require varying skill sets and combinations.”

Leggie rewarded as fellow spinner misses out

Alana King is the only new face to earn a contract with the Aussie women’s cricket team for 2022-23, while her injury-plagued fellow spinner Sophie Molineux has been axed from the list.

King made her international debut in all three formats this year and most recently played every game at the WODI World Cup, which Australia won.

Every member of the Australian team that defeated England in Sunday’s final has earnt a contract.

Prior to the World Cup, King played an integral part in Australia’s victory in the multi-format Ashes and took three wickets on Test debut at Manuka Oval.

It’s been a big year for Alana King. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

“Alana King came into the side during the Ashes and hasn’t missed a beat. She produced matchwinning performances across all three formats and thoroughly deserves her spot on the list,” Cricket Australia’s head of performance (women’s cricket) and national selector Shawn Flegler said.

A foot stress fracture ruled Molineux out of the Ashes and World Cup, which Flegler said contributed to her omission from the contract list.

“Sophie Molineux is unfortunate to miss out on a contract, she’s been an important part of the side over the last couple of years,” he said.

“Unfortunately, she’s missed a large amount of cricket due to various injuries, but we feel she can continue to play an important role with a more consistent run of matches.

“We’ll continue to work with Sophie and have full confidence in her finding her way back into the squad.”

Sophie Molineux has played 27 T20Is for Australia as well as nine ODIs and two Tests.

Despite their own long-term injuries, Georgia Wareham and Tayla Vlaeminck have secured contracts, while Amanda-Jade Wellington and Grace Harris have again missed out despite featuring in the World Cup squad.

Those not offered contracts are still eligible for selection in the national team and can earn contract upgrades by accruing points.

Molineux, Wellington and Harris would need to accrue 12 points to secure an upgrade; they can earn four for a Test match and two for a white-ball match.