ECB award youngsters with central contracts

England

The England and Wales Cricket Board have announced their central contracts for the next season, with half the players on the list newcomers to such a contract, while notable exclusions were made.

The England and Wales Cricket Board have announced their central contracts for the next season, with half the players on the list newcomers to such a contract, while notable exclusions were made.

Not making the cut this time were Jonathan Trott, Matt Prior, and Tim Bresnan, while Steve Finn was awarded a central deal after making a solid comeback from a ruined bowling action.

A notable absentee, from both the central and the increment list, is Middlesex opener Sam Robson, who has been the least successful of the new players in the side, by most accounts.

National Selector James Whitaker said: "The awarding of contracts enables the selectors and team management to plan for the next 12 months of international cricket.

"We have been hugely encouraged by the rapid development of a host of younger players in the last year and this is reflected in a total of six players being awarded 12-month central contracts for the first time."

The ECB said: "The 12 includes six players who have been awarded 12-month central contracts for the first time: Moeen Ali, Gary Ballance, Jos Buttler, Chris Jordan, Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes."

Contracts: Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Gary Ballance (Yorkshire), Ian Bell (Warwickshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Alastair Cook (Essex), Steven Finn (Middlesex), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)

A further five players have been awarded increment contracts:

Ravi Bopara (Essex), Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire), Eoin Morgan (Middlesex), Liam Plunkett (Yorkshire), James Tredwell (Kent).

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