Melbourne, April 8 Cricket Australia has announced its list of central contracts for the women's players for the 2026–27 season, introducing new players Lucy Hamilton and Chloe Ainsworth to strengthen their pace-bowling resources ahead of a busy T20 calendar.
The 18-member squad includes three changes from last year, with Tasmanian all-rounder Nicola Carey being recalled after regaining her place at the international level.
Teenage left-arm seamer Hamilton has secured her first national contract after a rapid rise through the ranks. The 19-year-old made her senior debut in all three formats within just over three weeks in March.
After leading Australia at the Under-19 World Cup in 2025, she made her debut for the senior team against India in Hobart, followed by her Test debut at the WACA Ground. She capped off her breakthrough month with an appearance in a T20I against West Indies in St Vincent.
Western Australia pacer Ainsworth, 20, has also been rewarded despite not yet featuring in the senior national team. Widely regarded as a promising prospect since her emergence with the Perth Scorchers in 2023, she has taken 40 wickets across three seasons of the Women's Big Bash League, with an average of 22.30 and an economy rate of under seven. Her consistent performances have earned her multiple selections in the tournament's Team of the Season.
Carey's return to the contract list follows her re-entry into the Australian setup during the multi-format series against India earlier this year. The 32-year-old had opted out of a contract in 2023 to focus on domestic cricket with Tasmania, a decision that allowed her to refine her skills and gain experience in overseas franchise leagues. Her improved performances ultimately paved the way back into the national side.
Meanwhile, former captain Alyssa Healy has been omitted from the list after concluding her Test career in Perth. Tess Flintoff and Tayla Vlaeminck from Victoria have also been left out.
Flintoff, who was included last season based on her potential, did not break into the national playing XI during her time on the contract list. Vlaeminck, on the other hand, has been working her way back from a shoulder injury sustained during the 2024 T20 World Cup, recently returning to action in a domestic red-ball fixture.
Cricket Australia's head of performance and national selector, Shawn Flegler, stated that while Flintoff and Vlaeminck are not currently contracted, they remain firmly in contention for future selection.
Australia's upcoming schedule begins with the T20 World Cup in England, where the team will be aiming to bounce back from consecutive semi-final exits in recent ICC events.
As per the memorandum of understanding between Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association, up to 18 players can hold national contracts. Those not initially selected still have the opportunity to earn upgrades during the season through a points-based system tied to international appearances.
Australia's contracted women's players 2026-27: Chloe Ainsworth, Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham