Retired legends Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne, along with Damien Martyn
and Justin Langer, made way for fresh faces in Cricket Australia's
list of 25 contracted players announced here today.
With form over the past 12 months and the likelihood of selection in future being
the criteria, the board also decided against renewing the contracts of veterans
Simon Katich and Michael Kasprowicz but decided to keep out-of-favour
pacer Jason Gillispie on the list.
The new faces to make the cut include Cullen Bailey, Chris
Rogers and Ben Hilfenhaus.
CA said the contracted players would be paid a base retainer,
which would be levelled according to a player ranking system decided by the
National Selection Panel (NSP).
Each player will also receive match fees, tour fees and prize money for on-field
success.
Among the other new names, South Australian leg-spinner Cullen
Bailey is among a spin quartet, which also includes Brad Hogg, Stuart
MacGill and Dan Cullen to be offered a contract.
NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch said the four spinners have been
brought in to fill the void left by Warne's retirement after the Ashes earlier
this year.
"The retirement of Shane Warne is a significant
issue for Australian cricket. While he is obviously irreplaceable we are pleased
that we have experienced spinners in Stuart MacGill, who has a great Test record
and Brad Hogg, who has just finished a highly successful World Cup.
"We will also look to Cullen Bailey and Dan Cullen to
continue with their exciting development and realise their potential,"
he said.
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