Georgia Voll and Tess Flintoff Earn First Central Contracts as Australia Name 2025-26 Women’s Squad

Rising stars Georgia Voll and Tess Flintoff have been awarded their maiden Cricket Australia (CA) central contracts for the 2025-26 season, marking a significant step in their careers. Meanwhile, experienced allrounder Jess Jonassen has missed out, casting further doubt on her international future.

Voll’s Breakout Year Rewarded

Voll’s inclusion was widely expected after a stellar breakout season. The 21-year-old Queenslander made her debut across all three formats and impressed with the bat, scoring a maiden ODI century against India and notching two T20I half-centuries against New Zealand. With Alyssa Healy sidelined, Voll stepped up at the top of the order and delivered consistently.

"Georgia has made a sensational start to her international career, showing her immense talent from the onset," said national selector Shawn Flegler. "Her ability to adapt to various formats has been impressive and will be vital with an ODI World Cup coming up and a multi-format series against India on the horizon."

Flintoff’s Potential Recognised Despite Mixed Domestic Form

Flintoff, yet to be capped at senior international level, has been a regular in Australia A squads and was recently involved in the series against England A, where she took five wickets in the four-day match. Despite a lean WBBL season for the Melbourne Stars — scoring just 59 runs and taking three wickets — the Victorian allrounder showed stronger form in the WNCL with 330 runs at 33.00.

Her promotion to the contract list highlights the selectors' long-term vision.

"Tess is an exciting young player who we can see having a long future in the green and gold," Flegler said. "She’s overcome injury setbacks and offers depth to our pace-bowling stocks."

Flintoff first drew attention in 2022 when she smashed the fastest WBBL fifty in history — a 16-ball effort against the Adelaide Strikers.

Jonassen Misses Out Again

Veteran left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen was once again omitted from the list, having last played for Australia in December 2023. While still active and effective in domestic cricket and T20 leagues — including the WPL with Delhi Capitals — she has now fallen behind Alana King, Georgia Wareham, and Sophie Molineux in the spin hierarchy.

"While Jess Jonassen has not been included on this year's list, we're always keeping an eye on players outside of the squad and she is no exception," Flegler added.

Vlaeminck Retained Amid Injury Comeback

Fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck, who suffered a shoulder injury during the 2024 T20 World Cup, retains her central contract as she continues her recovery and remains a long-term prospect in Australia’s pace unit.

Pathways to Upgrades

Players outside the contracted group can still earn upgrades by accruing 12 upgrade points throughout the year. A Test appearance is worth five points, while ODIs and T20Is are worth two each.

What’s Next for Australia Women?

Australia will next take the field in an away series against India ahead of the ODI World Cup, expected to begin in late September. The home summer will include a multi-format series against India followed by a tour of the West Indies in March-April 2026, featuring a rare women’s Test match.