Cricket Australia revealed the men's centrally contracted list for the season 2025-26. The list of 23 includes three new names: Beau Webster, Sam Konstas, and Matthew Kuhnemann.

Sam Konstas made a debut test appearance against India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which impressed cricket administrators, earning him a central contract. Opening his Test account as a teenager of 19, he did amazingly well when pitted against world-class bowlers and gave instant returns in his first effort.

Matthew Kuhnemann, the left-arm spinner, played a key part in Australia's series victory over Sri Lanka. He picked 16 wickets in two matches and was also declared Player of the Series. His consistent play has seen him included in the team as Nathan Lyon's reserve.

Beau Webster, who is an all-rounder, impressed everyone with his batting and bowling skills on his Test debut. His dual ability as a medium-fast bowler and off-spinner brings balance to the Australian team. Chief selector George Bailey had all praise for Webster's efforts, emphasizing his flexibility and promise.

The trio takes the place of Sean Abbott, Aaron Hardie, and Todd Murphy, who were excluded from contracts this year. Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Spencer Johnson, who have represented Australia in limited-overs cricket, also did not cut. T20 specialists Tim David and Marcus Stoinis are outside the contracted list but are likely to play in the shortest format.

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Cricket Australia's centrally contracted players for 2025-26:

The list shows Cricket Australia's determination to have a solid team across all formats. With players like Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green back from injury, Australia anticipates a lively international season.

Australia after losing to India in the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While the team had a good tournament, unexpected news Steve Smith announced his retirement from ODI cricket.  

Smith is known for his success and best solid defense in Test cricket, but he has also been a key player in ODIs, scoring 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28 in 170 matches. He played an important role at the top of the order, keeping the innings steady in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.  

After Smith retired, Australia had to find someone to take his place. Replacing a three-time World Cup winner won’t be easy, and whoever takes responsibility in crucial times.

Three players who could take his role in the ODIs:

3. Matthew Short

Matthew Short could be the best option to replace Steve Smith in the ODI team. Though he has been opening the batting lately, he might also be considered for the number three spot and he is Capable to do things like Steve Smith. He has the skills and technique to play a similar role to Smith, he has a great chance for him to prove himself.  

Short has played 15 ODIs for Australia, scoring 280 runs, including two half-centuries one of them against England in the Champions Trophy. Besides his batting, he can also bowl handy off-spin, adding extra options in spin to the team.  

Short has already made a big impact with the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL. With his all-around abilities, he could be a strong choice to replace Steve Smith for the number three position in ODIs.

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2. Cooper Connolly

Cooper Connolly is a young talent and skilled player in Australian cricket. The 21-year-old all-rounder hasn’t had the best start to his international career yet, but he has done well in domestic Cricket and BBL. He’s a strong batter and can also bowl left-arm spin.  

Cooper Connolly has played only four ODIs so far, but his performances in first-class cricket and the Big Bash League have been impressive. He had a great BBL season with the Perth Scorchers, scoring 351 runs at an average of 50.14. With his skills and potential, he could be a good option for Australia to develop for Steve Smith’s role in the ODI team.

1. Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne has been a good player in the middle order, but with Steve Smith retiring, he could move up to take the number three spot and he has that Capability to play in NO.3. He has skills and he played so many Crucial games in tough times, not just in ODIs but also in Test cricket. Marnus Labuschagne is known for his stylish shots and ability to play long innings, making him a strong option to replace Smith.  

Labuschagne played 63 matches, scoring 1,869 runs at an average of 35.94, with two centuries and 12 half-centuries in ODIs. With his batting and leadership potential, he could also be a future captain for the Australian team.

Let’s go to the past and see one of Steve Smith’s smartest moments on the cricket field. His quick thinking not only earned Australia a no-ball but also showed why he’s one of the sharpest minds in Cricket history.

Steve Smith’s Smart Move: He Knew It Was a No-Ball Before the Ball Was Bowled

During the third ODI between Australia and New Zealand, Smith, who was in good form and playing an incredible knock after 22 months, noticed something unusual in the field setting. New Zealand’s captain, Kane Williamson, had placed five fielders outside the 30-yard circle instead of the allowed four. While most players might have missed it, Smith caught the mistake instantly.

Throwback to the time when Smith knew it's a no ball even before the ball was bowled.
Genius . Happy retirement legend. pic.twitter.com/Njxsw4PPbj

— 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 🦘🇦🇺 (@AdvocateMessi) March 5, 2025

On the second ball of the 37th over, Smith smashed a six, but even before celebrating, he pointed out the fielding error to the umpire after hitting a six in that ball. As per the rules, the delivery was called a no-ball, and Australia got a free hit. This moment once again proved how well Smith understands the game and how quickly he reacts under pressure.

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Smith scored a brilliant 105 off 131 balls, hitting 11 boundaries and one six. His knock helped Australia to score 267 runs. In reply, New Zealand could only manage 242, and Australia won by 25 runs, sealing a 3-0 series sweep the series. This moment sums up Smith’s cricketing brilliance. His retirement marks the end of a great career, but memories like these will keep his legacy alive in the Cricket.

Australian cricket veteran Steve Smith has made his One Day International (ODI) retirement official after Australia's semi-final loss to India in the Champions Trophy 2025. The 35-year-old veteran batter, who scored a gritty 73 as the top scorer for his side, told his teammates straight after the match that it was his last ODI outing.

But Smith has asserted that he will play Test and T20I cricket, with emphasis on future big red-ball series, such as the World Test Championship Final, West Indies tour, and Ashes series against England in Australia.

An Emotional Farewell

Looking back at his career, Smith has credited being part of an exemplary ODI career lasting almost 15 years. It has been a wonderful ride, and I have enjoyed every moment of it. There have been so many great times and great memories. Winning two World Cups was a wonderful highlight, as well as the many great teammates who were part of the journey," Smith stated.

He added that with the 2027 ODI World Cup looming, it was the appropriate time for Australia to begin planning for the future.

Now is an excellent time for individuals to begin preparing for the 2027 World Cup, so it is the perfect time to step aside."

🚨BREAKING🚨: Australian stalwart Steve Smith has announced his retirement from ODI cricket#SteveSmith #CricketAustralia pic.twitter.com/eTYWGLGnFu

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 5, 2025

Steve Smith's Magnificent ODI Career

Smith departs ODIs with a fantastic record:

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• 5800 runs in 170 games
• 12 centuries and 32 half-centuries
• Two-time ICC Cricket World Cup champion (2015, 2023)
• Captained Australia in 64 ODIs, winning 32

Smith was instrumental in Australia's 2015 World Cup win under Michael Clarke and also a member of the team that won the trophy once again in 2023 under Pat Cummins.

His stint in leadership included many highlights such as series wins against England and India in 2016, a Chappell-Hadlee Trophy victory, and a tri-series victory over South Africa and West Indies. His most recent effort was guiding Australia to a 3-0 ODI clean sweep against West Indies in 2023-24.

Tribute from Cricket Australia

After his statement, Cricket Australia's Selectors Chairman, George Bailey, noted Smith's input into Australian cricket.

"We wholeheartedly agree and endorse Steve's retirement from One Day International cricket. His batting record over 167 matches is second to none, and to depart the format as a two-time World Cup champion is testament to his place among the great Australian ODI players."

Bailey also reaffirmed that Smith is entirely committed to Test cricket, where he remains an integral leader and precious asset.

The Journey of a Leg-Spinner to a Great Batsman

The career of Smith on the international scene started in 2010, when he played as a leg-spinning all-rounder against the West Indies. Over time, he developed into one of the great batters of his time with his unorthodox batting and capability to command in all weather.

Apart from his batting exploits, Smith also made contributions with the ball, picking up 28 wickets at a mean of 34.67. His performance in ODIs saw him receive several awards, including:

• Australian Men's ODI Player of the Year (2015, 2021)
• ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year (2015)

What's Next for Smith?
Even though his ODI career is over, Smith's attention now turns to red-ball cricket, where he is still an integral part of the Australian Test team. With the World Test Championship Final, the West Indies tour, and the Ashes series on the horizon, fans can still look forward to witnessing the Australian maestro at his best.

As Australia sets its sights on a new era of ODIs, Steve Smith's legacy as a two-time World Cup champion, a fearless captain, and one of the greatest batters of his era will always be remembered in cricketing history.

Australian opener Matthew Short is expected to miss the Champions Trophy semifinal against India or New Zealand following the in-form batsman's quad injury in the rain-abandoned game against Afghanistan.
Short had scored 20 off 15 balls on Friday but had appeared to be in obvious discomfort before being bowled by Azmatullah Omarzai as Australia made it to the semifinals with four points.

🚨 REPORTS 🚨

Matt Short is likely to miss the Champions Trophy semi-final due to a quad injury. 🏆🇦🇺

Who should replace him in Australia's XI? 🤔#Cricket #Australia #ODI #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/5KN57Oclw6

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) March 1, 2025

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Short suffered an injury late in Afghanistan's innings, and though opening the batting with Travis Head, he could not move freely between the wickets, and mostly played shots for boundaries. He scored 20 from 15 deliveries in an important opening partnership of 44 runs in 4.3 overs before being caught at mid-on. Post-match, captain Steven Smith recognized the time limit on Short's recovery.
I believe he'll be fighting. I believe we got to see tonight he wasn't running that well. I believe it's most likely going to be too fast between games for him to recover," Smith claimed during the post-match ceremony.
Jake Fraser-McGurk, a replacement for the injured Mitchell Marsh, is the spare batter in the squad and could be a direct swap for Short at the top of the order. However, other options are available, with all-rounder Aaron Hardie possibly stepping in if someone else is moved up to open.
“We’ve got a few guys available to fill the role," Smith said.
If Short is officially ruled out of the tournament for the remainder of it, left-handed batsman and left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly may be brought in as a traveling reserve. Short's absence would also take away a spin-bowling option since he had bowled seven superb overs for 21 runs against Afghanistan. Australia still has other spin-bowling options in the form of Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, who claimed two wickets against England but were not given a run on Friday.
Australia was already struggling with a few injuries heading into the tournament, with Marsh (back), Pat Cummins (ankle), Josh Hazlewood (hip), Mitchell Starc (ankle) out of action, and Marcus Stoinis retiring.
The other Group B team's fate is still unclear, but South Africa is most likely to accompany Australia. But the venues for the semi-finals will only be known after the India-New Zealand match on Sunday evening. The standings at the end of Group B will be determined after South Africa plays England on Saturday, but India and New Zealand are already destined for their respective venues in Dubai and Lahore.
Australia will play the winner of the India-New Zealand match in the semi-final. Australia will play the loser of that match.
Regardless of which team goes to Dubai, they will have only slightly more than 24 hours to prepare. Conditions in Dubai, where India hosts all their matches, have been spin-friendly, and Australia has leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha as a possible frontline choice.

Australia has again demonstrated why they are the powerhouse of world cricket. Though they had crucial players missing the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green, and Marcus Stoinis, they managed to qualify for the semifinals of the Champions Trophy. Just to make matters worse, two of their group-stage matches got rained off. But characteristic of their style, the Aussies managed to come out on top despite all adversity.
Struggling Against the Odds
The loss of their lead pacers meant that Australia had to depend on backups, and they came through. Nathan Ellis and others filled the gaps, while Adam Zampa maintained the middle overs with his spin. At the batting end, veteran players rose to the occasion, keeping the team in the hunt even without their marquee all-rounders.
With two washed-out games, there was not much room for mistakes for Australia. Each game was important, and they reacted with grit. Their capacity to produce match-winners in various situations speaks volumes about the depth of their team beyond a few marquee names.

ALSO SEE: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Semi Finalists Confirmed Teams Journey and Knockout Matches

- No Pat Cummins.
- No Starc.
- No Hazelwood.
- No Mitchell Marsh.
- No Green.
- No Stoinis.
- 2 Game washed Out.

STILL AUSTRALIA QUALIFIED FOR SEMIFINAL OF THIS CHAMPIONS TROPHY. 🏆🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/PG0lYA6ZEg

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 28, 2025

The Aussie Winning Mentality
Australia's success isn't talent, it's a mentality. They're used to producing under pressure this competition has been no exception. They're unmatched for their hunger and adaptability to win.
Aiming for Glory
With a semifinal berth in the bag, now Australia sets its sights on the trophy. Historically, this is when they are most lethal. Irrespective of losing big guns, they are still a team no one wishes to encounter during a knockout game.

The crucial Group B match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Afghanistan vs Australia at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore ended with no result. While both teams have shared one point each, Australia have advanced to the Semi-finals, and Afghanistan are almost out of the tournament. 

It was the must-win game for both teams to reach the Semis of the tournament, while Australia just needed to avoid a defeat. Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi chose to bat first after winning the toss. While Afghanistan scored 273 all out in 50 overs, Australia scored 109/1 in 12.5 overs before the rain interruption that forced the game to end with no result.

Azmatullah Omarzai fought bravely after Sediqullah Atal's 85

Afghan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz (0) was dismissed in the first over as Spencer Johnson's yorker had no answer for the batter. There was a great swing for the Aussie pacers, but they failed to handle it properly at the early period of the match. However, after the first powerplay, opener Ibrahim Zadran (22) and Rahmat Shah (12) lost their wickets cheaply. 

For the fourth wicket, Sediqullah Atal and captain Shahidi had a 68-run partnership. While Shahidi scored 20 runs, Atal lost the wicket earlier after scoring 85 off 95 balls with six fours and three sixes. From 159/3, Afghans were once struggling at 199/7.

At late, Azmatullah Omarzai fought bravely to guide his team to a somehow challenging total. He scored 67 off 63 balls with the help of one four and five sixes before losing his wicket in the 50th over. 

Among the Aussie bowlers, Ben Dwarshuis (3/47) took three wickets, while Spencer Johnson (2/49) and Adam Zampa (2/48) bagged two wickets each. However, Aussie bowlers conceded 37 extras, including 17 wides. 

See Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India likely to go with new captain against New Zealand

Aussie batters slammed in first powerplay

In reply, Aussie openers fired up Afghan bowlers in the first powerplay. Australia scored 44 runs in 4.3 overs, when the opener Matthew Short was dismissed for 20 runs. Travis Head and captain Steven Smith had a 65-run partnership for the unbroken second wicket before rain ultimately interrupted the game. Australia scored 90/1 at the end of the first powerplay, while Head scored 59 not out off 40 balls with nine fours and one six. Skipper Smith scored 19 not out. Azmatullah Omarzai took the only wicket in the second innings. 

With this victory, Australia ended the group stage with four points and confirmed their place for the semi-finals. Despite having three points as South Africa, Afghanistan are unlikely to qualify for the knockout stages due to a massive difference in the net run rate. Even if South Africa lose against England on Saturday (March 1), the Proteas will qualify, except for suffering almost a 200+ runs defeat against England, which could open the chance for Afghanistan to magically reach to the Semi-finals. 

The latest ODI World Cup winners Australia have shown their true caliber without prime bowlers as they stunned England in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener, which produced a high-scoring multiple record-breaking match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. 

Australian captain Steven Smith chose to field first after winning the toss as they expected dew in the second innings. It proved to be true as England scored the record-breaking total in tournament history with 351/8, and Australia comfortably chased down the target in 47.3 overs after losing five wickets to set a new highest total record (356/5) in ICC Champions Trophy history.  

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Ben Duckett recorded highest score in ICC Champions Trophy

Opener Ben Duckett had an important role in England's innings to set a record target for Australia. Although Duckett was busy scoring quickly in the powerplay, his opening partner Phil Salt (10) fell early. England's testing with Jamie Smith (15) didn't work well, as the youngster only faced 13 balls.

Duckett and Joe Root built the English innings and guided the team to a big total. They had a 158-run partnership for the third wicket. While Duckett scored 50 runs off 49 balls, Root completed his half-century in 56 balls. Adam Zampa broke that partnership after dismissing Root for 68 off 78 balls (four fours).

While Harry Brook (3) fell early, captain Jos Buttler (23) and Liam Livingstone (14) couldn't add big runs. However, Duckett had a valuable 61-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Buttler, where the opener dominated. Duckett completed his third ODI century in 95 balls. Later, the opener added more power to record the highest individual score in tournament history by becoming the first player to score 150 runs in the ICC Champions Trophy. He completed 150 runs in 134 balls and scored 165 off 143 balls with 17 fours and three sixes before Marnus Labuschagne dismissed him in the 48th over. 

Jofra Archer scored 21 not out off just 10 balls to ensure a record total in the ICC Champions Trophy as England became the first team to score 350+ runs in the ICC Champions Trophy.

Among the Aussie bowlers, Ben Dwarshuis took three wickets (3/66), while Adam Zampa (2/64) and Marnus Labuschagne (2/41) got two wickets each. 

Josh Inglis recorded joint-fastest century in ICC Champions Trophy to record highest chase in tournament

Chasing down the giant target, Australia lost their opener Travis Head (6) and skipper Steven Smith (5) cheaply, which made the chasing almost impossible for them in the early look. However, another opener Matthew Short controlled the situation with Marnus Labuschagne. They had a 95-run partnership for the third wicket before Labuschagne (47 off 45 balls) and Short (63 off 66 balls) lost their wickets in quick succession. 

While Australia were once again in a tough situation in the record chase, English bowlers then struggled to handle the dew effect. Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis and Alex Carey slammed a solid 146-run partnership for the fifth wicket that destroyed English hope. Inglis reached 50 runs in 41 balls, and Carey completed his half-century in 49 balls. Although Brydon Carse dismissed Carey for 69 off 63 balls (eight fours), Inglis' spirit was unharmed, and he got another strong support from Glenn Maxwell. 

In less than six overs, Inglis and Maxwell set a 74-run partnership for the unbroken sixth wicket. Inglis equalled the fastest century record in ICC Champions Trophy history by completing it in 77 balls. The English bowlers had no answer in the tough bowling conditions, where the Aussie middle-order batters had no mercy. 

Player of the Match Inglis scored 120 not out off 86 balls with eight fours and six sixes. Meanwhile, Maxwell was not out for 32 runs in 15 balls with four fours and two sixes. Five out of six English bowlers managed to pick a wicket, but none of them added any others to the tally. 

In a high-scoring thriller, Australia chased down 352 runs the highest successful run chase in the ICC Champions Trophy history to a brilliant unbeaten 120 by Josh Inglis. 

Josh Inglis' thumping 💯 turns it around for Australia as they create history in a run-fest in Lahore 🔥#ChampionsTrophy #AUSvENG ✍️: https://t.co/DBjsJNDgkY pic.twitter.com/lGbeqtTHy2

— ICC (@ICC) February 22, 2025

Australia Pulls Off Record Chase to Beat England in Champions Trophy 2025

After winning the toss, Australia chose to bowl first, and England scored a big total of 351 runs. Ben Duckett was the standout performer for England, smashing an incredible 165 off 143 balls. Joe Root also made a solid contribution with 68 runs, helping England put up the highest chance in the ICC Champions Trophy.

None other than Josh Inglis, who has claimed the Player of the Match award for his blistering innings! pic.twitter.com/02PiS1OD3W

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 22, 2025

Australia’s chase didn’t start well, with Travis Head and captain Steve Smith getting out Quickly. But Matt Short scored 63 runs and Marnus Labuschagne scored 47 runs and built an important partnership to keep the chase alive. The real turning point came when Josh Inglis and Alex Carey took control and played according to the conditions, pushing Australia past 280 runs. Carey played a crucial 69 runs knock before getting dismissed by Brydon Carse, but Inglis held it and played very well for the Historical win.

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Maxwell’s Quick Fire Knock Seals the Win

Australia needed a final push, Glenn Maxwell stepped up, playing a quick and aggressive 32 off just 15 balls at a strike rate of 213. After this thrilling victory, Australia will face South Africa on February 25, while England must win against Afghanistan on February 26 to keep their tournament hopes alive.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has seen Australia name their squad with Steve Smith being named as skipper in the backdrop of missing Pat Cummins. With a number of high-profile withdrawals leaving the team bench, the team has been re-stocked. 

Confirmed Squad:

• Steve Smith (Captain)
• Sean Abbott
• Alex Carey
• Ben Dwarshuis
• Nathan Ellis
• Jake Fraser-McGurk
• Aaron Hardie
• Travis Head
• Josh Inglis
• Spencer Johnson
• Marnus Labuschagne
• Glenn Maxwell
• Tanveer Sangha
• Matthew Short
• Adam Zampa

Notable Absentees:

Pat Cummins: Ruled out with an ankle Injury
Josh Hazlewood: On the bench with a hip issue.
Mitchell Starc : withdrew out personal reasons
Mitchell Marsh: (back injury) left the game early.
Marcus Stoinis: Retired from ODI cricket recently 

ALSO READ:ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Complete Fixtures Announced

Young pacer Spencer Johnson and rerivering paceman of system Bannaker, West-Banders Bred Dwarshuis has been included to add youthful effervescence to the team. A further addition in the lower-order has been Jake Fraser-McGurk with his place amongst the selectors selection rocks. Adam Zampa will get some good support from leggie Tanveer Sangha who is on an upward curve.
Australia will start their journey in the 2025 Champions Trophy against England at Lahore on Feb 22nd. Being put in a tough group
Having an array of both senior and new players, Australia are going to make a big impact in the tournament and add to their number at the top of ICC trophies, cricketing history so to speak.