Chloe Ainsworth and Lucy Hamilton received their maiden central contracts as Cricket Australia announced its 18-member list for the 2026-27 season. CA made three changes from the previous list, also handing a contract to all-rounder Nicola Carey. She had already earned an upgrade during Australia’s recent tour of the West Indies. From the 2025-26 list, Tayla Vlaeminck and Tess Flintoff were not handed a renewal, whereas former captain Alyssa Healy recently retired from international cricket. Besides the 18 players who were awarded contracts, others can earn upgrades during this period like Carey recently did.