Source : ABC NEWS
Sam Konstas has been omitted from Cricket Australia’s contracts list for the 2026-27 season, continuing his fall from grace after a sparkling Test debut.
Konstas is one of six players to not have their full contracts renewed from the previous season, joining the retired Usman Khawaja as well as Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson and Matt Short.
After making his Test debut in last summer’s Ashes, Brendan Doggett has been upgraded to a full contract, while both Michael Neser and Todd Murphy have regained full contracts.
While losing his full contract is a blow to Konstas, he will still have a chance to represent Australia in the upcoming season if his form warrants selection.
Jake Weatherald has retained his full contract despite an indifferent summer with the bat in the Ashes. (Getty Images: Robert Cianflone)
“Given the upcoming schedule of series we know we will continue to need and utilise players outside of those contracted,” Cricket Australia’s chair of selectors, George Bailey, said in a statement, in part.
“This year, perhaps more than ever, it is essential we continue working closely with and collaborate with states to ensure players are developing and ready for international cricket when they get opportunities.”
Konstas has struggled for form since bursting onto the international scene with a half-century on debut against India in the 2024 Boxing Day Test.
He has managed just 103 runs in the nine Test innings that have followed his debut knock, leaving his Test average at a paltry 16.30.
Konstas scored the fifth-most runs in the Sheffield Shield last summer, but averaged just 33 and scored one century in 20 innings. His average was the worst of the top-five runscorers.
The 20-year-old was overlooked for the entirety of last summer’s Ashes, with Jake Weatherald preferred at the top of the order.
Weatherald’s contract was upgraded last summer, and he has retained his full contract for this season despite averaging just 22.33 across five Tests against England.
