Sam Konstas earns first Cricket Australia contract along with Matt Kuhnemann & Beau Webster
Teenage sensation Sam Konstas has been rewarded with his first Cricket Australia contract following his stunning Boxing Day Test debut.
The 19-year-old is set for a giant pay rise of more than $225,000 from his NSW cricket deal after it was reported shortly after his Boxing Day debut that securing a national contract would see him earn cost to $350,000 a year.
The NSW opener joins spinner Matt Kuhnemann and Tasmania allrounder Beau Webster as additions to the contract list for the 2025-26 season.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Kuhnemann starred across two Tests in Sri Lanka, before having to deal with clearing his name after being reported for a suspect action.
Webster had already been upgraded last season, but has been retained following a stunning ascension to Test level for the Border-Gavaskar series decider in January.
Cooper Connolly has been snubbed, despite playing all three formats for Australia in the period that ended with a Champions Tropy semifinal loss he opened the batting in.
Fellow West Aussie white-ball gun Aaron Hardie has also been dumped. The all-rounder has played 13 one-day internationals and 13 twenty20 matches for Australia since the middle of 2023.
Konstas was left out of both Tests in Sri Lanka, as selectors preferred Travis Head to move to the top of the order with veteran Usman Khawaja.
But he looms as the next star of Australian cricket and remains firmly in the frame for the World Test Championship final, the tour of the West Indies, then the home Ashes next summer.
“Matt (Kuhnemann) was outstanding once again in Sri Lanka and we believe he can play a key role across the next 18 months,” chairman of selectors George Bailey said.
“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.
“With Cameron Green and Mitch Marsh returning there will be welcome and healthy competition for places for the World Test Championship and West Indies tours.
“In Sam we see promising upside in a young player who will continue to develop at first class level and in the international environment.”
CRICKET AUSTRALIA MEN’S CONTRACTS 2025-26
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, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster, Adam Zampa.
