ECB award youngsters with central contracts

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).
Latest
-
News
Chris Silverwood backs ‘fighter’ Dan Lawrence to make step up to Test cricket
The Essex batsmen is in line for an England Test debut against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
-
News
Ravichandran Ashwin condemns alleged racial abuse of Mohammed Siraj by SCG fans
Play was halted on day four of the third Test between Australia and India while six spectators were escorted out of Sydney Cricket Ground by police.
-
News
Investigation launched after Indian players allegedly abused by crowd in Sydney
Play was held up while police and security guards escorted six people from Sydney Cricket Ground.
-
News
Jos Buttler determined to keep standards high with gloves and bat in Sri Lanka
The 30-year-old has Ben Foakes and Jonny Bairstow for competition in the England side.
-
News
England’s Dom Bess thinks pitch for Friday’s warm-up won’t be repeated in series
England finally took to the pitch in Hambantota for a low-key workout between Team Root and Team Buttler.
-
News
Proteas name Test squad for Pakistan tour
South Africa have named a 21-man touring party for the two-Test series in Pakistan.
-
News
Smith makes distinction between out of runs and out of form
Steve Smith put paid to the suggestion he was out of form with a fighting hundred against India.
-
News
England warm-up under way in Sri Lanka
The touring squad has returned a second round of clear Covid-19 tests following Moeen Ali’s positive result.
-
News
Jack Leach awaiting Covid vaccine news after ‘scary’ vulnerable classification
The England spinner takes medication for Crohn’s disease, leaving his immune system weakened.
-
News
Jonny Bairstow ready to tap into Jacques Kallis class during Sri Lanka tour
The England batsman is enthused about working with the Proteas great.