Fresh faces replace retired legends in 25 contracted list

Sydney, May 1 (UNI) Cricket Australia today included fresh faces in the 25-member contracted players' list to replace long serving legends of the game Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne, along with Damien Martyn and Justin Langer.

Out-of-favour Jason Gillespie was lucky to hold on to his contract despite not playing any international games over the past year, but Michael Kasprowicz and Simon Katich have not had their six-figure deals renewed.

The new faces to make the cut include Cullen Bailey, Chris Rogers and Ben Hilfenhaus.

CA said the contracted players would be paid a base retainer, which would be levelled according to a player ranking system decided by the National Selection Panel (NSP).

NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch said, ''The retirement of Shane is a significant issue for Australian cricket.'' ''While he is obviously irreplaceable we are pleased that we have experienced spinners in Stuart MacGill, who has a great Test record, and Brad Hogg, who has just finished a highly successful World Cup.

''This list of players still represents a very experienced group, but also includes some exciting young talent that will ensure our reign as champions in both Test and one-day cricket can continue,'' Hilditch said.

The minimum contract retainer is set at 155,000 Australian dollar and each player will also receive match fees, tour fees and prize money for on-field success.

South Australian leg-spinner Cullen Bailey is among a spin quartet, which also includes Brad Hogg, Stuart MacGill and Dan Cullen, to be offered a contract.

Tasmania's fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus, who picked up 60 Pura Cup wickets last season, has earned his first deal.

Hilditch also said, ''As with Shane, the retirement of Glenn McGrath leaves a huge hole for Australian cricket,'' adding ''but the squad contains some really exciting fast-bowling talent in Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson and now the addition to the contracted list of Ben Hilfenhaus for the first time.'' Chris Rogers, the Western Australia batsman, has been given some encouragement after being the leading Pura Cup run-scorer with 1202 and he is expected to battle with Phil Jaques for Langer's spot in the opening Test against Sri Lanka at the Gabba on November 8.

Adam Voges and James Hopes were also added to the list.

25 Contracted players: Cullen Bailey (SA), Nathan Bracken (NSW), Stuart Clark (NSW), Michael Clarke (NSW), Daniel Cullen (SA), Adam Gilchrist (WA), Jason Gillespie (SA), Brad Haddin (NSW), Matthew Hayden (Qld), Ben Hilfenhaus (Tas), Brad Hodge (Vic), Brad Hogg (WA), James Hopes (Qld), Michael Hussey (WA), Phil Jaques (NSW), Mitchell Johnson (Qld), Brett Lee (NSW), Stuart MacGill (NSW), Ricky Ponting (Tas), Chris Rogers (WA), Andrew Symonds (Qld), Shaun Tait (SA), Adam Voges (WA), Shane Watson (Qld), Cameron White (Vic).

UNI