In a recent development, Cricket Australia has raised the curtains on its 18-player women’s contract list for the 2025/26 season, blending consistency with calculated change and promising new talent. With a claustrophobic year ahead — featuring a World Cup challenge in the subcontinent and a high-profile home series against India — the selection dishes out a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and emerging stars ready to leave their mark on the international stage.
However, one of the most shocking omissions from the 2025/26 contract list is veteran all-rounder and six-time World Cup winner, star all-rounder Jess Jonassen. A mainstay in Australian cricket for over a decade, Jonassen — who hasn’t featured for the national side since December 2023 — was left out, a decision that raised the eyebrows of fans and cricket experts alike. With a remarkable international record of 6 Tests, 93 ODIs, and 105 T20Is, her absence marks a significant transition phase in Australia’s evolving squad dynamics.
Acknowledging the strategic move, selector Shawn Flegler paid attention to Jonassen’s contribution and future prospects, stating, “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.”
Across formats, Jonassen was last seen spotted donning the Australian colours during the Wankhede Test against India in December 2023. Although she has been absent from the international arena since then, the experienced all-rounder has remained a vital cog in the wheel in franchise cricket-landscape. The slow-left arm orthodox continues to deliver consistent performances in competitions like the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), Australia’s premier franchise tournament, Women’s Premier League (WPL), and The Hundred, keeping herself firmly in contention for near opportunities.
In the recently concluded third edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Jonassen proved her all-round value for the runners-up Delhi Capitals. She amassed 150 runs from 6 innings at an impressive average of 37.50 and a blistering strike rate of 145.73. With the ball, she was equally commanding, claiming 13 wickets from 8 matches at an average of 18.07.
Her strong form was also evident in The Hundred 2024, where she turned out for Welsh Fire. Jonassen picked up 12 wickets in 8 matches, maintaining a tidy economy rate of 6.62, while also contributing crucial runs with the bat — scoring 176 runs from 7 innings at an excellent average of 44. These standout performances in franchise cricket underline her enduring quality and keep her well within the frame for future international recalls.
While her omission from the national contract list marks a significant shift, Jonassen’s consistent performances in domestic and franchise leagues ensure she remains a name selector can’t easily overlook. Her story with Australian cricket might still have more chapters to come.
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