CA names women's contracted players

Cricket Australia has announced the 15 women players who will be offered CA contracts for 2014-15, as chosen by the Women’s National Selection Panel (WNSP).

The upcoming international schedule includes home series against Pakistan and the West Indies, each of which will comprise One Day International (ODI) and T20 matches.

The contracts, which cover a 12-month period commencing July 1 this year, will be offered to the following players:

CA Contract List for 2014-2015

Commenting on the contract list, WNSP Chair Julie Savage said: “We have chosen a squad of 15 players to comprise the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars contract list for 2014-15. It is anticipated that these players will form the basis of our teams for the home series against Pakistan and the West Indies later this year.

“All of the 15 players currently hold a CA playing contract, with Nicole Bolton and Rene Farrell having received contract upgrades during the previous period. Farrell played an integral part in both the home Commonwealth Bank Women’s Ashes Series and the 2014 ICC Women’s World T20 victory, while Bolton made a memorable century on debut in an ODI at the MCG during the Women’s Ashes.

“Rachael Haynes has been omitted from the contract list following a period where her performances with the bat have not reached the heights that she is capable of. As she is a very determined and talented cricketer, we are confident we will see more of her on the international stage in future.”

Southern Stars batter Elyse Villani paid tribute to Bolton on Twitter, the pair currently travelling abroad together.

Alex Blackwell also received the good news while out of Australia - she is in Japan for the ICC East Asia Pacific Trophy event.

Megan Schutt is another of the Southern Stars who was outside Australia, taking in some of the sights England has to offer.

Last year 14 players were initially selected for the contracted player list, with an additional two players upgraded to contracts during the season, having fulfilled the required 40 touring days.

Following last year’s restructuring of the contracting system for women’s international and state cricketers, the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars are some of the best paid female athletes in the country. In 2014-15, the top player retainer is $54,600 and the minimum CA retainer is $25,850. In addition, players also receive $250 per day when touring both in Australia and abroad as well as a daily living allowance.

The State and Territory Association contracting period will be open from May 8 – June 13.

2014-15 Commonwealth Bank Shooting Stars Contract List

The WNSP has also chosen 14 players for the Commonwealth Bank Shooting Stars contract list for 2014-15. The Commonwealth Bank Shooting Stars is a development squad aimed to complement the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars squad and provide elite training and playing opportunities.

CA Contract List for 2014-2015

Commenting on the contract list WNSP Chair Julie Savage said: “During the last few seasons the concentration of major ICC tournaments has meant that the Commonwealth Bank Shooting Stars program has primarily focused on preparing the next tier of players for these events. As there are no major ICC tournaments on the international calendar this season, the emphasis of the program has switched to focus on developing young players. The intention of the program in the upcoming season is to provide an accelerated learning environment for the best young talent in the country who have the potential to progress to the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars in the next 2-4 years. The WNSP has also included a few senior players who may advance to the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars squad within a shorter timeframe.”