Symonds holds on to central contact

Andrew Symonds is among the 25 players awarded central contracts despite his troubles off the pitch

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Despite a tumultuous eight months off the field, Andrew Symonds will remain a contracted player with Cricket Australia for the next year.

The all-rounder, who has endured well-documented discipline and personal problems in recent times, was named among a 25-strong group to be awarded central contracts by the Australia board today.

The list contains seven new faces, although there are few surprises among those included.

Gone are the retired Matthew Hayden and Stuart MacGill, discarded opener Phil Jaques, batsman Adam Voges, left-arm wrist spinner Beau Casson and pace duo Shaun Tait and Ashley Noffke.

As expected, Phillip Hughes, Peter Siddle, Andrew McDonald and Marcus North were handed contracts after impressing in recent Tests against South Africa.

New South Wales off-spinner Nathan Hauritz, the only slow bowler on the list, has been rewarded for his encouraging recent performances in the one-day arena.

Batsman Callum Ferguson won his first CA contract along with South Australia team-mate and wicketkeeper Graham Manou, whose deal suggests he is now seen as Brad Haddin's understudy.

“Callum Ferguson has had an impressive debut in one-day cricket and will be an important part of our future in that form of the game,” said national selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch. “He'll be looking to take every opportunity to force his way into Test cricket.

“Graham Manou has been named as the other wicketkeeper on the list. No-one can doubt his credentials following his performance in state cricket over the last two seasons, in all forms of the game.”

Brad Hodge holds on to his contract despite not playing for Australia for almost a year, but one-day batting sensation David Warner and off-spinner Jason Krejza miss out.

Contracts are awarded to players based on their form over the past 12 months, their likelihood of playing for Australia in the next year, team balance and the need to ensure the future development of Test and limited-overs teams. Players are ranked from one to 25 by national selectors and paid accordingly.

Cricket Australia contracted players: Doug Bollinger, Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke, Callum Ferguson, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, Brad Hodge, James Hopes, Phillip Hughes, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Graham Manou, Shaun Marsh, Andrew McDonald, Marcus North, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle, Andrew Symonds, Shane Watson, Cameron White.