Cricket Australia unveils 2026-27 women's central contracts: Uncapped Chloe Ainsworth and Lucy Hamilton earn spots

Melbourne (The Uttam Hindu): Cricket Australia (CA) has announced central contracts for women cricketers for the 2026-27 season. The contracts include newcomers Lucy Hamilton and Chloe Ainsworth. The 18-member squad features three changes from last year. Tasmanian all-rounder Nicola Carey has been reinstated. Hamilton, a young left-arm fast bowler, has earned her first contract after rapidly rising through the ranks. The 19-year-old made her senior debut in all three formats in just three weeks in March. After captaining Australia in the 2025 Under-19 World Cup, she joined the senior team during the ODI series against India in Hobart, followed by her Test debut at the WACA Ground. She capped off her impressive month with a T20 match against the West Indies in St. Vincent. Ainsworth, a 20-year-old fast bowler from Western Australia, has been included in the contract despite not yet having made her national debut. She is considered a promising player after joining the Perth Scorchers in 2023.

She has taken 40 wickets in three seasons of the Women's Big Bash League at an average of 22.30 and an economy rate of under seven. Carey's return to the contract list follows her return to the Australian setup during the multi-format series against India earlier this year. The 32-year-old Carey had decided to opt out of her contract with Tasmania in 2023 to focus on domestic cricket. This decision allowed her to hone her skills and gain exposure in overseas franchise leagues. Her improved performance ultimately paved the way for her return to the national team. Meanwhile, former captain Alyssa Healy has been released from her contract after ending her Test career in Perth. Victoria's Tess Flintoff and Tayla Vlaeminck are also not part of the contract. Flintoff, who was included last season based on her potential, did not make it to the national playing XI while on the contract list.

Vlaeminck, on the other hand, is trying to recover from a shoulder injury sustained during the 2024 T20 World Cup, and recently returned to action in a domestic red-ball match. Cricket Australia's Head of Performance and National Selector Shaun Flegler said that Flintoff and Vlaeminck do not currently have contracts, but remain in contention for future selection. Women players who have received contracts from CA for the 2026-27 season: 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.