Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges and Joe Burns earn Australia contracts
Tuesday 5 April 2016 10:28, UK
Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges and Joe Burns are among seven new players to be handed central contracts by Australia.
The new players were not on the initial list for the 2016/2017 season announced a year ago but they have since forced their way into the selectors' plans following a series of retirements.
Nathan Coulter-Nile, John Hastings, Peter Nevill and Peter Siddle have also been added to the 20-man list as the Aussies look ahead to the home Ashes series starting in late 2017.
"There is a lot of talent within this group and we have confidence that the players chosen can be successful in all three forms of the game," chief selector Rodney Marsh said.
"Following a number of high-profile retirements, we believe this group of players gives us a healthy blend of youth and experience to represent Australia at the highest level."
Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson, Chris Rogers and Shane Watson all quit international cricket in the last year.
Khawaja had a superb season in all formats, while Burns is reaping the benefits of his ascension to Test opener, replacing the retired Rogers.
Voges, 36, has been prolific, making 239 against New Zealand in Wellington as his Test average temporarily climbed above the great Dan Bradman's 99.94.
CA's contracted players 2016-17: George Bailey, Joe Burns, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Patrick Cummins, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, John Hastings, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Peter Nevill, James Pattinson, Adam Voges, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner.
