Smith, 24, was one of the breakout stars of England’s home Test summer, scoring a maiden Test hundred against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford, before being named PCA Young Player of the Year at its annual dinner. end of season awards.
Although his opportunities in white-ball cricket have so far been limited by his workload, Smith showed glimpses of his potential in the recent home ODI series against Australia, and although he will miss the Test tour of New Zealand as he continues his paternity. Following his departure, he looks set to be a central figure in England’s plans for their white-ball tour of India in January and the subsequent Champions Trophy.
Buttler’s deal, meanwhile, is a show of faith in England’s white-ball captain despite an absence from professional cricket that has now extended to five months as he recovers from a nagging calf injury. It comes on the same day his long association with Rajasthan Royals ended due to his omission from their list of retained players for the 2025 IPL.
As well as Smith, four other players have signed their first centre-back contracts: Shoaib Bashir, Phil Salt, Olly Stone and Will Jacks, who was the notable omission from England’s plans last time. Three other players have been given development contracts, including two new signings: Jacob Bethell and Josh Hull, and John Turner, the fast bowler who could make his debut for England in the Caribbean this week.
Seven players have been removed from England’s 2024-35 squad, including Moeen Ali, Dawid Malan and James Anderson, who retired from international cricket, and fast bowlers Matthew Fisher and Saqib Mahmood, who had been on development contracts after to perform your test. debuts in the Caribbean in 2022.
The most notable absentees, however, are Ollie Robinson and Ben Foakes, the trial goalkeeper who made way for his Surrey team-mate Smith in the summer. Both men last toured India in February, and their hopes of a retreat from the current regime appear to be over.
“The strength and depth of talent in England men’s red and white ball cricket is clear in the quality of centrally contracted players,” said Rob Key, England men’s general manager. “These contracts reward players who we believe will play an important role for our England men’s teams. Our two captains, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, have signed two-year central contracts which show the commitment of all players to prioritizing playing for your country.
“I want to congratulate all the players who have signed new central contracts ahead of what will be an exciting period for England men’s cricket.”
