Tess Flintoff’s Central Contract a Bet on Potential as Australia Future-Proof Their Squad

Australia’s selectors have made a bold move in awarding uncapped allrounder Tess Flintoff her first Cricket Australia central contract, citing her untapped potential and long-term value over current statistical returns. The 21-year-old becomes the first uncapped woman to receive a central contract since Beth Mooney and Grace Harris in 2015-16.

Flintoff’s inclusion in the 18-player list comes despite a modest domestic season, with just three wickets in the WBBL for the Melbourne Stars and eight wickets at 59.25 in the WNCL for Victoria. However, selectors have been impressed by her late-season performances, including a five-wicket haul for Australia A in a four-day match against England A, and see her as a key player for the future.

“There’s Something About Her”

National selector Shawn Flegler acknowledged that on paper, Flintoff’s recent numbers don’t demand selection. But, he said, her raw attributes and athleticism set her apart.

"Certainly looking at her performances, you'd go, why? She hasn't really banged the door down with wickets or anything, but there's something about her that's probably a little bit different," Flegler said.
"If you just go by numbers alone, then that's not really selection. It's trying to find a little bit extra that you see in a player, and we think Tess has got that."

Flintoff, who made headlines in 2022 with the fastest fifty in WBBL history (off just 16 balls), also showed glimpses of her batting prowess in the WNCL with 330 runs at an average of 33.00. Selectors view her as a three-dimensional cricketer — a seam-bowling allrounder who can bat aggressively and field superbly.

"She shapes the ball back in at some good pace, she hits the ball well, and she's a good athlete," Flegler added. "It’s about future-proofing the squad."

Eyeing the World Cup

With Australia facing a packed white-ball calendar — including the ODI World Cup in India and a T20 World Cup in June 2026 — Flintoff’s selection is a forward-looking investment. Her addition to the national setup gives her more time to develop within the system and potentially push for inclusion in World Cup squads.

"It's about giving Tess an opportunity to be in and around this group a little bit more," said Flegler.

Rising Stars Just Miss Out

Flintoff’s elevation comes alongside fellow newcomer Georgia Voll, who had a standout debut international season. Voll’s performances across formats — including a maiden ODI century and T20I half-centuries — secured her a place on the central contracts list.

Meanwhile, Charli Knott and Nicole Faltum, who also impressed in domestic and Australia A cricket, were in contention but missed out. Knott especially made a strong case, captaining Australia A to a dramatic red-ball win over England A, scoring 52 and 123 and taking the match-winning wicket.

"Charli could probably feel a little bit unlucky not to be in the squad of 18," Flegler admitted. "But she's definitely in the frame, and players can still play from outside the squad."

Injury Watch: Molineux and Vlaeminck on the Comeback Trail

Sophie Molineux, who missed the Ashes and New Zealand series with a knee injury, is expected to return in time for the ODI World Cup in September.

Fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck, recovering from another shoulder setback, remains a longer-term prospect. Her return is targeted for the WBBL later this year, with selectors cautiously optimistic about her international comeback in early 2026.

Australia Women’s Central Contracts 2025–26:

Darcie Brown
Tess Flintoff
Ashleigh Gardner
Kim Garth
Heather Graham
Grace Harris
Alyssa Healy
Alana King
Phoebe Litchfield
Tahlia McGrath
Sophie Molineux
Beth Mooney
Ellyse Perry
Megan Schutt
Annabel Sutherland
Tayla Vlaeminck
Georgia Voll
Georgia Wareham

Flintoff’s selection may raise eyebrows, but for Australia’s selectors, she represents a strategic move — a player with the tools, attitude, and potential to be a key figure in years to come.