Cricket Australia announces 2008-09 contracted players

Cricket Australia has announced the list of 25-contracted players for the next 12 months with once again showering their faith on the younger generation with an eye for the future as they retained beleaguered pacer Shaun Tait, who took an indefinite break from the game, in the list even though it has got a surprise omission of spinner Brad Hogg.

Cricket Austraila's National Selection Panel announced the list on Wednesday having included four new faces Doug Bollinger, Beau Casson, David Hussey and Shaun Marsh. Pacer Ashley Noffke and batsman Simon Katich retained their place due to their fine domestic form in the past.

The notable omissions from the list were retired wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, Jason Gillespie, Chris Rogers, Cullen Bailey and Daniel Cullen. The contracted players are paid a base retainer, which is levelled according to a player ranking system decided by the NSP. Each player also receives match fees, tour fees and prize money for on-field success.

NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch quoted in Cricket Australia’s website that the selectors had chosen a balanced squad of experienced players and emerging talent.

“The National Selection Panel has continued to recognise the outstanding performances of key players who have continually contributed to the Australian side while at the same time recognising the efforts of those in interstate cricket,” Hilditch said.

"An important area of our considerations in selecting the contracted players is to ensure we continue to promote the young players and bring them forward into this Australian side and its surrounds," Hilditch stated.

“Simon Katich and Ashley Noffke have had outstanding seasons for New South Wales and Queensland respectively and have thoroughly deserved their selection. At the same time we have decided to add a young spinner to the list and Beau Casson has performed strongly for New South Wales throughout the summer,” Hilditch said.

List of 25-contracted players for the next 12 months

Doug Bollinger, Nathan Bracken, Beau Casson, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Matthew Hayden, Ben Hilfenhaus, Brad Hodge, James Hopes, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Phil Jaques, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Stuart MacGill, Shaun Marsh, Ashley Noffke, Ricky Ponting, Andrew Symonds, Shaun Tait, Adam Voges, Shane Watson and Cameron White.