Cricket Australia has named its women’s national contract list for 2026-27, with two young fast bowlers, Chloe Ainsworth and Lucy Hamilton, receiving their first national deals.
The new list features 18 players and signals both continuity and fresh investment as Australia prepare for a busy season that includes the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England.
Two Fast Bowlers Receive First National Contracts
The biggest update from the new contract list is the inclusion of Chloe Ainsworth and Lucy Hamilton. Both pacers have been rewarded after strong domestic performances and now move into Cricket Australia’s contracted group for the first time.
Nicola Carey has also held her place after earning an upgrade during the recent West Indies tour. Her retention adds another experienced option to a squad that already has strong depth across formats.
“It’s exciting to see Lucy Hamilton and Chloe Ainsworth earn their first national contracts, which is a testament to the impact and talent they’ve shown at domestic level,” said Shawn Flegler.
Australia Women’s Contracted Players for 2026-27
| Player |
|---|
| 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 |
Healy Retires as Three Players Miss Out on Renewal
Alyssa Healy, who has retired, is no longer part of the contracted group. Tayla Vlaeminck and Tess Flintoff were also not renewed from last season’s list.
Even so, Cricket Australia has made it clear that the door remains open for both players.
“While Tayla and Tess aren’t on the list this year, we’ll continue to support their development and they are both very much still in contention for selection,” Flegler said.
That message suggests this contract list is not a final line under future selection. Instead, it reflects where Australia see their strongest core group at the start of a major season.
Busy 2026-27 Season Shapes Contract Decisions
Australia’s next cycle will be packed with major assignments. The side is set to play in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England. They also have home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, plus away tours to Sri Lanka and South Africa.
That schedule appears to have influenced the balance of this squad. Australia have retained a strong base of senior names while also adding fresh pace options who could become important across a long and demanding season.
With players like Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath and Annabel Sutherland still central to the squad, Australia look set to head into the new season with both experience and depth.
