Georgia Voll and Tess Flintoff Secure First CA Central Contracts, Jonassen Left Out
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Synopsis
Georgia Voll and Tess Flintoff have earned their first Cricket Australia central contracts, while Jess Jonassen has been surprisingly omitted. Voll has impressed since her debut, securing recognition as ICC Women’s Player of the Month. Flintoff's performances for Australia A have earned her a contract, highlighting her potential for future success.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia Voll earns her first central contract.
- Tess Flintoff also secures her first contract.
- Jess Jonassen is notably omitted despite her achievements.
- Voll has shown exceptional talent and adaptability.
- Flintoff is viewed as a promising player for the future.
Melbourne, April 17 (NationPress) Rising star Georgia Voll and uncapped all-rounder Tess Flintoff have officially received their inaugural Cricket Australia central contracts.
On Thursday, Cricket Australia unveiled an 18-player central contract list, notably excluding six-time World Cup winner Jess Jonassen.
Voll's impressive ascent continues as the talented opener clinches a national contract for the first time with Australia's announcement for the 2025/26 season.
Despite making her international debut only in December, the 21-year-old has already achieved an ODI century and recently earned the ICC Women's Player of the Month title for March due to her exceptional performances in New Zealand.
Having been upgraded to a national contract following her debut across all formats in the 2024-25 summer, this marks the first occasion Voll has been included in Cricket Australia's initial contract list.
Flintoff secures her contract based on strong displays for Australia A during the recent series against England A. The seam bowler has consistently been on the selectors' radar, having been called into Australia's squad during their 2023 tour of Ireland.
Although she is yet to make her international debut, Flintoff was included in the Australian squad as injury cover during the 2023 ODI series in Ireland and has been highlighted as a promising talent.
The 22-year-old pace-bowling all-rounder has regularly represented Australia A and made history in 2022 by scoring the fastest WBBL half-century off just 16 balls for Melbourne Stars.
Australia selector Shawn Flegler expressed that the elevation of Voll and Flintoff to the central contracts is well-deserved, emphasizing that there remain opportunities for Jonassen and other players outside the contract list to shine for Australia.
“Tess is an exciting young player with a bright future ahead in the green and gold. After overcoming injury, we are eager to see her fit and performing well throughout the summer, which will enhance our pace-bowling lineup.
“Georgia has made an outstanding start to her international journey, showcasing her considerable talent from the beginning and playing a crucial role for the team in Alyssa Healy's absence at the top of the order. Her ability to adjust to various formats is commendable and will be pivotal with the ODI World Cup approaching later this year and a multi-format series against India early next year.
“Although Jess Jonassen is not included in this year’s list, we are continuously monitoring players outside of the squad, and she remains one of them,” Flegler stated.
The most significant surprise was Jonassen's omission from the contract list, despite her consistent performances at the domestic level worldwide.
Jonassen, who holds the record as Australia's most prolific female white-ball spinner, last participated in international cricket in October 2023 and was last selected for a squad in early 2024.
The 32-year-old has significantly contributed to Australia’s success since her debut in 2012, claiming 244 wickets in 205 matches across all formats.
Australia's contracted women's players for 2025-26 include: 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, and Georgia Wareham.
