'They are still valued': George Bailey admits 'stiff' call on axed stars Aaron Hardie, Todd Murphy
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While there were some big winners from Cricket Australia's national contract list, George Bailey admits a few players were "stiff" to miss out on a spot.
Sam Konstas, Beau Webster and Matt Kuhnemann were the fresh faces when the 23-man list was announced on Tuesday, with all three rewarded for Test performances.
However, as is the case every year, there were some casualties.
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Todd Murphy, who now appears to be Australia's third-choice red-ball spinner, was left out of the contract list, while all-rounder Aaron Hardie was a surprise omission.
Todd Murphy in action. Action Images via Reuters
Veteran seamer Sean Abbott, who just turned 33, also missed out on a position.
Speaking to media after the announcement, national selector Bailey explained the calls and hopes to see all three players feature in the green and gold moving forward.
"All three guys that dropped off are all in some ways stiff," he said.
"The balance of trying to get the list right with a balance of skillsets and trying to reward past performance and with a view to what you've got coming up.
"Despite not getting a contract, they are still valued and they haven't necessarily dropped in specific formats in regards to a pecking order."
Bailey also admitted Cooper Connolly - who made his debut in all three formats over the past 12 months - could think himself to be unlucky, despite not being on the 2024 list.
Cooper Connolly after receiving his baggy green in Sri Lanka. Getty
One man who remains in the Australian group is veteran opener Usman Khawaja and after a brilliant series against Sri Lanka, there was never any doubt about including him.
"His form in Sri Lanka was fantastic and he's been incredibly consistent," Bailey said.
"We've not necessarily had a conversation but he's been very public in saying he doesn't like to look too far forward and put an end date on it."
Khawaja is hopeful of playing in the Ashes later this year against England.
