England drop Zak Crawley, reward 8 players with central deals for 2026-27

Zak Crawley has been dropped from England central contracts for the 2026-27 season, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) expanding its contracted pool from 30 to 39 players. The extended list includes 30 full central contracts and nine development contracts, with eight players receiving new full contracts after taking the lead.

Crawley and left-arm seamer Luke Wood are the only senior players whose contracts have not been renewed. Crawley’s omission follows a disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia, where he averaged 27.30 as England suffered a 4-1 series defeat. The retirement of Ben Stokes and Mark Wood from international cricket has freed up funds for the ECB to expand the list.

The eight players to receive new full central contracts are Ollie Robinson, Tom Banton, Sam Cook, Emilio Gay, Matthew Fisher, Dan Lawrence, Jordan Cox and Henry Crocombe. Robinson is the only one of the group to have had central contracts in the past, as he was locked up in 2022 and 2023.

Crocombe and Cox signed two-year contracts, while the other six players were given one-year contracts. England have retained several established names including Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jofra Archer and Jose Buttler as they prepare for a packed international calendar.

HOW OLLIE ROBINSON FIGHTED BACK

Robinson’s return to the contracted group an impressive return to international cricket follows after more than two years away from the England team. The Sussex fast bowler took 28 wickets in four Tests against New Zealand and Pakistan this summer at an average of 9.32. He took two five-wicket hauls with best figures of 5 for 39.

His performances strengthened his case for a return to England’s plans and earned him a new central contract. Robinson’s revival has provided England with another experienced bowling option as they look forward to their upcoming assignments.

Other new entrants also presented strong cases for inclusion. Cox and Dan Lawrence impressed during England’s Test series against Pakistan, while opener Emilio Gay made an encouraging start to his international career. Tom Banton also made important contributions in white-ball cricket.

The expanded list reflects the ECB’s efforts to reward performances, retain promising talent and maintain depth across formats. England now have 39 players under contract and have a wider pool to manage their workload and prepare for their upcoming international commitments.

ENGLAND MEN CENTRAL CONTRACT PLAYERS 2026-27

Joe Root*, Harry Brook*, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer*, Gus Atkinson*, Sonny Baker*, Tom Banton, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell*, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jordan Jack Cox*, Henry Crocombe*, Sam Curran*, Liam Dawson, Ga Willi Lawr Fisher, Emilio, Dany Lawr Fisher, Emilio Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Ollie Robinson, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue*

*Denotes two-year contract until September 30, 2028

ENGLAND MEN CONTRACT PLAYER DEVELOPMENT 2026-27

James Coles, Mason Crane, Josh Hull, Eddie Jack, Ben McKinney, Liam Patterson-White, Thomas Rew, Matthew Revis, Mitch Stanley

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