Cricket Australia has announced its 18-player women’s contract list for the 2025/26 season, which is marked by continuity, strategic change, and exciting emerging talent. With a packed calendar ahead—including a World Cup campaign in the subcontinent and a blockbuster home series against India—the squad reflects both the established core, and the fresh faces poised to shape Australia’s future.
One of the standout selections is Victorian all-rounder Tess Flintoff, who has earned her maiden national contract. Representing the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL, Flintoff is the only fresh face in this year’s list. While her numbers from the recent domestic season—330 runs at 33.00 in the WNCL and a modest WBBL showing of 59 runs and three wickets in nine games—may not turn heads, her explosive potential remains undeniable. In 2022, she smashed the fastest half-century in WBBL history, a 16-ball whirlwind that left a lasting impression. Her contract brings her a step closer to a long-awaited Australian debut.
Another major inclusion is Queensland’s Georgia Voll, who officially joins the central contracts list after being upgraded last season. Voll’s rise has been meteoric. She debuted in all three formats over the past summer and stepped up with remarkable poise in the absence of Alyssa Healy. Her ODI debut against India in December 2024 saw her emerge as the leading run-scorer of the series with 173 runs from three matches. She later delivered a string of impactful performances in the WPL for UP Warriorz, including a standout 99* and a total of 154 runs, further solidifying her place in the T20I setup during the New Zealand tour in March.
While the additions of Flintoff and Voll signal generational change, the omission of veteran spinner Jess Jonassen raised eyebrows. Despite not playing for Australia since December 2023, Jonassen remained a consistent performer in the domestic circuit and overseas leagues. She picked up 17 wickets and scored 218 runs in the 2024 WBBL and followed that with 13 wickets and 150 runs in the 2025 WPL. However, the selectors appear to be prioritizing younger talent and team balance going forward.
Addressing the decision, national selector Shawn Flegler said, “While Jess Jonassen has not been included on this year’s list, we’re always keeping an eye on players outside of the squad and she is no exception.”
Another notable omission was Charli Knott, a promising all-rounder whose exclusion was acknowledged by Flegler with optimism. He said, “Charli could probably feel a little bit unlucky not to be in the squad of 18, but like everyone, if there’s an opportunity there for her to play, then she can still play from outside the squad, that’s for sure.”
The selectors also showed faith in players on the fringes, like Grace Harris and Heather Graham, while continuing their support for injury-prone duo Sophie Molineux and Tayla Vlaeminck. The core group—including stars like Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, and Megan Schutt—remains intact, ensuring a solid spine of experience.
As Australia prepares for its next assignment—an away tour of India ahead of the ODI World Cup—players not initially contracted can still earn upgrades through a point-based system (five for a Test, two for an ODI or T20I). The home summer will then feature a multi-format series against India, followed by a tour of the West Indies, including another Test match, extending into April 2026.
The full list of contracted players includes Darcie Brown, Tess Flintoff, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Voll, and Georgia Wareham. With a perfect blend of seasoned campaigners and budding stars, Australia’s women’s team looks well-prepared to dominate the world stage once again.
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