Sam Konstas struck a fifty on his Test debut and was involved in a heated exchange with Virat Kohli at the MCG. (AP)

Cricket Australia awarded a first central contract to 19-year-old opening batter Sam Konstas for the 2025-26 season on Tuesday, alongside 22 other male players, as the team prepares for the World Test Championship final and Ashes series against England this year.
Konstas made his mark with a debut innings of 60 runs off 65 balls, including six fours and two sixes, against India in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne.
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“In Sam we see promising upside in a young player who will continue to develop at first-class level and in the international environment,” said Australia’s chair of selectors George Bailey.
Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann also earned his first contract after being named player of the series in Australia’s 2-0 Test victory in Sri Lanka, taking 16 wickets.

Kuhnemann, 28, underwent testing at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane after being reported for a suspect bowling action and was subsequently cleared.
“Matt was outstanding once again in Sri Lanka and we believe he can play a key role across the next 18 months,” said Bailey.
All-rounder Beau Webster retained his spot after being upgraded during last season. The 31-year-old scored 57 on his Test debut against India in Sydney and hit the winning runs in the second innings.
“In Beau’s case he proved more than comfortable at Test level with bat and ball, adds an additional dimension in the field and to the balance of the side,” Bailey said.

Australia’s upcoming schedule includes the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June, followed by three Tests in the West Indies and a five-Test Ashes series starting in Perth in November.
Cricket Australia contracted men’s players 2025-26: Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster, Adam Zampa.