MELBOURNE: The post ball-tampering era began Wednesday with Cricket Australia (CA) annnouncing a revamped list of 20 nationally contracted players for 2018-19 that did not include former captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner, both serving one-year suspensions.
The contracts are based on player performances over the past 12 months and players who the national selection panel believe could represent Australian teams in the upcoming year.
Western Australia is the most heavily represented state with six players, while New South Wales have four. Queensland, South Australia and Victoria each have three representatives, while Tasmania has one.
Five players have been awarded CA contracts for the first time, in fast bowlers Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson and Andrew Tye, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and wicket-keeper Alex Carey.
Shaun Marsh and new Australian Test captain Tim Paine, who both earned upgraded contacts during 2016-17, also return to the list of contracted players.
The minimum value of a contract for the upcoming season is A$286,000 ($222,000).
Contracted list: Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine, Matt Renshaw, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye.
