Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges and Joe Burns are among the new names on the initial list of Cricket Australia's contracted male players for 2016-17.

Nathan Coulter-Nile, John Hastings, Peter Nevill and Peter Siddle have also earned contracts this year, after not having found their names on the list last year. However, there wasn't any room for leg-spinner Adam Zampa despite his tremendous performances for the one-day and Twenty20 sides over the past two months, not to mention his important role in the World T20 2016.

There were quite a few surprising inclusions in the list this time. Shaun Marsh found a place in the contracts list which will definitely raise a few eyebrows. The inclusion on young fast pacer Pat Cummins will also cause a stir on social media as his career has been plagued with injuries. 

There were plenty of spots available this year following the retirements of Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson, Chris Rogers and Shane Watson over the past 12 months.

National Selector Rod Marsh was quoted saying, 

“
Following a number of high-profile retirements, we believe this group of players gives us a healthy blend of youth and experience to represent Australia at the highest level, allowing us the best chance of maintaining our number-one rankings in Test and ODI cricket, as well as improving our performances in the T20 format.

”

Cricket Australia Contracted Players 2016-17: 

George Bailey, Joe Burns, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Patrick Cummins, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, John Hastings, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Peter Nevill, James Pattinson, Adam Voges, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner