Beams, Cheatle lose Cricket Aust contracts
Experienced legspinner Kristen Beams's fall from favour with selectors has continued with her loss of a Cricket Australia contract for the 2018-19 season.
Beams and young fast bowler Lauren Cheatle, who's battling back stress fractures, are the two players to lose their national contracts.
The 19-year-old Cheatle has been unable to play domestically or add to her nine international matches since succumbing to the injury in November.
"Lauren has had to overcome various injuries over the last couple of years, which has hampered her ability to perform at her best," head selector Shawn Felger said.
"There's no doubt her best is yet to come."
Batter Alex Blackwell has retired.
A veteran of 49 international matches, Beams has not played for Australia since being dropped during the Ashes in October.
Selectors have instead favoured Ashleigh Gardner, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Jess Jonassen and Sophie Molineu as spin options.
Gardner, Molineux and allrounders Nicola Carey and Delissa Kimmince have been elevated.
CA 2018-19 women's contract list: Nicole Bolton, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Rachael Haynes, Alyssa Healy, Jessica Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Meg Lanning, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani, Amanda-Jade Wellington.
