Australia have handed maiden national contracts to emerging fast bowlers Lucy Hamilton and Chloe Ainsworth as part of a refreshed 18-player list for the 2026–27 season. The announcement from Cricket Australia reflects both transition and renewal within the national setup, with a new generation of quicks being fast-tracked into the system. Lucy Hamilton has made a powerful impact.
Her breakthrough year included international debuts across all three formats in early 2026. Chloe Ainsworth, an uncapped but highly regarded right-arm seamer who has impressed consistently in domestic competitions. Ainsworth’s performances in the Women’s Big Bash League and at Under-19 level, where she was a standout in Australia’s pace attack, have earned her first national contract.
The contract list also sees the return of Nicola Carey, the Tasmania allrounder who re-enters the national fold after a period on the fringes. However, the new list also witnesses some tough calls. Former captain Alyssa Healy, who recently stepped away from international cricket, is absent following her retirement. Meanwhile, fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck and allrounder Tess Flintoff have not been retained.
"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 showed at domestic level, while Nicola Carey retains her recent upgrade after some strong performances over the last two series," Cricket Australia's Head of Performance (Women's Cricket) and National Selector, Shawn Flegler said. "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."
Contracts list: 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