All-rounder Marcus Stoinis and spinner Ashton Agar have been dropped from Cricket Australia's central contracts list for the upcoming 2024/25 season. This move follows a decline in playing time for both players.

Stoinis lost his ODI spot to Marnus Labuschagne during the World Cup and hasn't featured since. Agar, meanwhile, has only played one international match in the past year.

Their absence joins test opener Marcus Harris, paceman Michael Neser, and the retiring David Warner on the list of exclusions from the 23-man squad.

These annual contracts provide a glimpse into the selection hierarchy for the upcoming season. However, there's room for players to be promoted based on strong performances during the year.

Queensland quick Xavier Bartlett is the sole newcomer, earning a spot after his impressive debut ODI series against the West Indies and his T20I debut against them in February.

Tasmanian fast bowler Nathan Ellis, Western Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardie, and white-ball batter Matt Short retained their contracts after promotions last season.

"Matt, Aaron, and Xavier have been very impressive early in their international careers," said chief selector George Bailey. "The selection panel believes they have bright futures and deserve these contracts as they work towards becoming regulars in the Australian setup."

Australia, the current ODI and Test champions, will aim to defend their T20 World Cup title in June during the tournament held in the United States and the Caribbean.