Chloe Ainsworth and Lucy Hamilton Awarded Australia Women’s Central Contracts for 2026-27
Chloe Ainsworth, Lucy Hamilton Earn Australia Central Contracts
Cricket Australia has unveiled its 18-player central contracts list for the 2026-27 season, and the inclusion of two emerging talents — Chloe Ainsworth and Lucy Hamilton — has sparked excitement about the future of the Australian women’s team.
Ainsworth, the uncapped Western Australia and Perth Scorchers allrounder, joins Hamilton — who made her international debut across all three formats in March — in a squad that reflects both immediate strength and long-term vision.
Young Guns Step Into the Spotlight
Hamilton, the left-arm fast bowler, has made an instant impact. Her composed performances against India and the West Indies earned her widespread praise, and national selector Shawn Flegler didn’t mince words.
“I think she’s taken to international cricket like a duck to water… She looks pretty calm and composed out there and her game’s in pretty good shape for it.”
At just 20, Ainsworth’s inclusion is more strategic. Despite not yet playing for the senior national team, her domestic form — particularly with the bat — made her impossible to ignore.
In the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) this season, she scored 194 runs at an average of 97.00, highlighted by her maiden century. Her bowling, while less prolific domestically (three wickets in seven games), has shone in the WBBL, where she’s claimed 40 wickets in just three seasons, including 13 at 28.76 in the most recent campaign.
A Project for the Future
Flegler acknowledged that Ainsworth isn’t quite ready for the rigors of international tours.
“It’s very different playing domestic cricket… and then having to back up and play and train that whole time. So we don’t think she’s quite there yet, but this is an investment in her into the future as well.”
A foot injury has kept her out of the recent Green vs Gold match in Sydney, but the contract signals confidence in her trajectory.
Notable Omissions and Returns
The list sees the departure of Alyssa Healy (retired), Tayla Vlaeminck, and Tess Flintoff from last year’s contracted group. Vlaeminck’s non-retention came on the same day she returned to competitive cricket, taking a wicket in the intra-squad match.
Flegler expressed continued support, saying Vlaeminck could return to contention with a sustained injury-free run.
“We just came to the point where we thought it was better off for her to go back and play some state cricket and WBBL… Once she’s back playing, she’s going to be available for selection, no doubt.”.
Nicola Carey’s Redemption Arc
Nicola Carey, who declined a contract in 2023, has been rewarded with a recall after strong performances against India and the West Indies. Her ODI career-best 49 in St Kitts underlined her value, particularly with the bat.
Meanwhile, Grace Harris and Heather Graham retained their deals despite recent team omissions, a testament to their all-round depth.
One Absence Raises Questions
The only player to represent Australia in the past 12 months without a contract is wicketkeeper Tahlia Wilson, who made her ODI debut last month in the West Indies. Her omission suggests a crowded roster behind the stumps.
What’s Ahead
The 2026-27 cycle includes the T20 World Cup in England, home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, and tours to Sri Lanka and South Africa — the latter featuring a Test match.
Players not initially contracted can earn upgrades by accumulating 12 points: 5 for a Test, 2 for an ODI or T20I appearance.
Full 2026-27 Contracted Squad
- Chloe Ainsworth
- Darcie Brown
- Nicola Carey
- Ashleigh Gardner
- Kim Garth
- Heather Graham
- Lucy Hamilton
- Grace Harris
- Alana King
- Phoebe Litchfield
- Tahlia McGrath
- Sophie Molineux
- Beth Mooney
- Ellyse Perry
- Megan Schutt
- Annabel Sutherland
- Georgia Voll
- Georgia Wareham
In: Chloe Ainsworth, Nicola Carey, Lucy Hamilton
Out: Alyssa Healy, Tayla Vlaeminck, Tess Flintoff
As Australia builds toward new challenges, this contracts list balances proven excellence with calculated gambles on tomorrow’s stars.
