ECB revamp central contracts

With a lot of focus on limited overs cricket, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has revamped its central contract system for the upcoming 2016-17 season, effective October 1. Under the new system, 10 Test contracts and 11 white ball contracts have been announced.

Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes have been handed both Test and White Ball contracts while Jonny Bairstow and Woakes have been rewarded for their impressive show in the home Test series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Bairstow was the top-scorer for England with 387 runs against Sri Lanka, while he made a healthy 366 runs against Misbah-ul-Haq's men. Woakes was by far England's best bowler against Pakistan with 26 wickets and also did well in the two Tests that he featured against Sri Lanka.

The selectors also have the opportunity to award increment contracts and Gary Ballance is the sole recipient of one for the next 12 months. Players will now receive a ranking based on their on-field performance, off-field contribution and fitness, which will play a key role in their appraisal.

The salary of the players with Test contracts will be paid in full by the ECB, while those on White Ball contracts will get an addition to their County pay.

"We believe the restructure of the central contract system will recognise the increased focus of the shorter format and the importance that we place on this as we continue our progress towards hosting the 2019 World Cup," said Andrew Strauss, the Director of England Cricket. "It is undeniable that the introduction of central contracts in 2002 has greatly benefited the fortunes of the England Test team. During this period the team has consistently performed well against the other Test nations around the world. We hope that continues over the next few years.

"The international game is evolving rapidly, and we have to keep pace with developments on the field. Our game wide strategy sets out the objective of creating balance between the formats, and this is reflected by the restructure of Central contracts. Ultimately, we are fully committed developing world class players in both Red and White Ball cricket to aid the goal of becoming the world's number one team," he added.