Experienced all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been left out of Cricket Australia’s main contract list, raising fresh questions about whether the 37-year-old still fits into the team’s long-term plans in international cricket.
Cricket Australia has announced a 21-man roster with a clear focus on Test regulars.
Maxwell was omitted from the Australian Central contract list for the 2026–2027 season.
Maxwell last played a Test match in 2017 and was not in the red ball plan.
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Australian all-rounder Maxwell has been left out of Cricket Australia’s main contract list for the 2026-27 season as the board opted for a squad largely built around his Test core ahead of a busy red-ball calendar.
Cricket Australia announced the 21-man list on Wednesday, April 1, with the selection reflecting the team’s priorities for the next 12 months, which include multiple Test series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, India and England.
Maxwell’s omission was among the more significant decisions. The 37-year-old retired from ODI cricket last year and has not featured in Tests since 2017 as he gradually fell out of contention in the longer formats. His absence from the contract list suggests Australia have continued in that direction.
While he remains available for the T20Is, his position is not entirely secure there either. Maxwell did not make a significant impact in Australia’s 2026 T20 World Cup campaign, where the team failed to progress beyond the group stage, and with the next edition scheduled for 2028, selectors may look at longer-term options.
This perhaps spells the end of a tumultuous few years for Glenn Maxwell, who has not only suffered crazy off-field injuries but has also been hauled up by Cricket Australia over disciplinary and professionalism issues.
‘GENERATION’ KONSTAS PUTSIL LET GO
The list of contracts also reflected the changes in the test setting.
Top batsman Sam Konstas, who had an incredible rise to prominence in the 2024-25 season, missed out after a lean run and Jake Weatherald retained his place despite modest returns during the Ashes.
Hailed as a generational talent, Konstas was widely celebrated during Australia’s home Test series against India in 2024. However, his progress was marred by poor form.
Fast bowler Brendan Doggett has been handed his first contract after taking seven wickets in two matches against England.
Michael Neser and Todd Murphy returned to the roster, while Jhye Richardson missed the injury season. Western Australia quick Lance Morris was also ruled out with a back injury and white-ball all-rounder Matt Short was not retained.
Former opener Usman Khawaja, who retired, was also not included.
Collectively, the list shows a clearer preference for red-ball cricket, with Australia building depth around a settled Test group.
For Maxwell, the direction is momentarily obvious. The latest decision merely formalizes it within the board’s planning cycle.
Australian contract players in 2026-27
Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steve, Adam Smith, Jakmpa Mitch. Webster
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Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
1 Apr 2026 09:32 IST
