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Cricket Australia has today announced its list of 25 contracted players, with Patrick Cummins and James Pattison earning contracts for the first time. Simon Katich is the notable omission, also dropped in 2007.
Also added to the 25-player contracted list for 2011-12 are Xavier Doherty, John Hastings, David Hussey, Usman Khawaja, and Jason Krejza.
The National Selection Panel (NSP) also passed over James Hopes, Andrew McDonald, Clint McKay, Marcus North, Shaun Tait, Adam Voges along with Katich, who missed out on having their contracts renewed for 2011-12
NSP Chairman, Andrew Hilditch spoke of the contracted players list:
“The NSP has added two exciting young fast bowling talents to the list in James Pattinson and Patrick Cummins.
“James has tasted international cricket and we see him as a young man of immense talent who is made of the right stuff to succeed at the higher level.
“Patrick Cummins is an exceptional talent who has impressed with his opportunities to date for New South Wales and it will be very exciting to watch his progress.
“Two spinners are added to the contract list in Xavier Doherty and Jason Krezja. Jason has previously enjoyed success at Test level and recently was a member of our ICC Cricket World Cup squad. Xavier has been doing a very good job for Australia, particularly at one-day level and both are looking forward to the opportunity to play more international cricket.
“John Hastings has been awarded his first contract after playing very well in limited opportunities in our one-day team while David Hussey has again received a contract after impacting in our Twenty20 side and playing well in his one opportunity during the recent quarter-final match against India in the Cricket World Cup.
“The list also includes some of our best young batting talent with Shaun Marsh, Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawaja all receiving contracts. Usman receives his first full contract after debuting in the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG and we see him as a very important player for the future of Australian cricket.”
Hilditch also referred to Katich in his comments on the list:
“Several players have unfortunately not been offered contracts this year. The most notable of those is Simon Katich. Simon has been a fantastic player for Australia and a key and successful member of the Test team in recent years.
“However, amongst other matters, the NSP felt it was the right time now to start blooding our next opening partnership in preparation for the Ashes two years from now. The opening partnership is critical to the success of any team and takes time to develop the necessary experience at international level.
“We feel it is important this change is made now as we prepare for the challenges ahead.”
Katich is no stranger to being passed over by the National Selection Panel. The New South Wales captain triumphed in the 2007/08 season following his dropping, scoring 1506 runs for the Blues to lead the side undefeated to the Sheffield Shield title.
The 2011-12 Cricket Australia contracted players are:
NAME – STATE – AGE
Doug Bollinger – NSW – 29
Michael Clarke – NSW – 30
Patrick Cummins – NSW – 18
Xavier Doherty – TAS – 28
Callum Ferguson – SA – 26
Brad Haddin – NSW – 33
Ryan Harris – QLD – 31
John Hastings – VIC – 25
Nathan Hauritz – NSW – 29
Ben Hilfenhaus – TAS – 28
Phillip Hughes – NSW – 22
David Hussey – VIC – 33
Michael Hussey – WA – 36
Mitchell Johnson – WA – 29
Usman Khawaja – NSW – 24
Jason Krejza – TAS – 28
Brett Lee – NSW – 34
Shaun Marsh – WA – 27
Tim Paine – TAS – 26
James Pattinson – VIC – 21
Ricky Ponting – TAS – 36
Peter Siddle – VIC – 26
Steven Smith – NSW – 22
Shane Watson – NSW – 29
Cameron White – VIC – 27