Captains Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler sign two-year England contracts

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Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, who lead England's Test and limited-overs teams, have both agreed to new central contracts that will last for two years.

Last October, Stokes turned down a three-year contract when the England and Wales Cricket Board introduced multi-year deals for the first time. He chose instead to sign a shorter, one-year agreement.

As anticipated, Stokes has pledged his loyalty to England through at least 2026, which includes the crucial Ashes series in Australia next winter. Meanwhile, Buttler has also signed a new agreement, adding another year to his contract.

It was revealed earlier on Thursday that Buttler, who hasn't participated in any matches since late June because of a persistent calf injury, will not be kept on by the Rajasthan Royals, an Indian Premier League team.

Buttler has been with the Royals since 2018 and was named the IPL's most valuable player two years back. To counter interest from various franchise leagues, he has recently signed a new multi-year contract with England, which might help soften the impact of any changes.

In recent months, Jamie Smith has established himself as the primary Test wicketkeeper, surpassing both Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes. As a result, he has earned his first contract with England, securing a two-year deal.

Bairstow has a year remaining on his contract, even though he hasn't been selected for international matches since the T20 World Cup in June. In contrast, Foakes has not received an offer for a new contract.

Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt, fast bowler Olly Stone, and all-rounder Will Jacks have each secured central contracts with England for the first time, committing to a one-year deal.

Fast bowler Gus Atkinson has received an extension on his contract, which will now last until 2026. Meanwhile, Harry Brook, Joe Root, and Mark Wood all have two years remaining on their current agreements.

Last October, the ECB announced 18 long-term agreements, but this time they have reduced that number to just seven individual contracts.

Last year, Jack Leach and Reece Topley received one-year contracts and have been kept on under similar arrangements. However, James Anderson, Moeen Ali, and Dawid Malan have stepped away from international competition.

Ollie Robinson has also been left out of consideration, despite having an impressive Test bowling average of 22.92. The fast bowler hasn't been called up due to worries about his fitness after a disappointing performance in India last winter.

Contracts for development have been granted to versatile player Jacob Bethell, left-arm fast bowler Josh Hull, and John Turner. This comes as their teammates Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have not had their contracts renewed.

Jordan Cox, preparing to play his first ODI match against the West Indies in Antigua on Thursday, is also set to serve as the wicketkeeper for England during their Test series in New Zealand due to Smith's unavailability. However, he has not received a contract.

Rob Key, the managing director of cricket in England, emphasized the impressive level of talent in both red-ball and white-ball cricket, highlighting the exceptional players who hold central contracts.

“These contracts are given to the players we think will be crucial for our England men's teams.”

Our captains, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, have both agreed to two-year central contracts, highlighting the dedication of all players to put representing their country first.

"I would like to extend my congratulations to all the players who have secured new central contracts as we approach a thrilling time for men's cricket in England."

Players signed for two-year contracts include G. Atkinson, H. Brook, J. Buttler, J. Root, J. Smith, B. Stokes, and M. Wood.

Contracts for one year: R Ahmed, J Archer, J Bairstow, S Bashir, B Carse, Z Crawley, S Curran, B Duckett, W Jacks, J Leach, L Livingstone, O Pope, M Potts, A Rashid, P Salt, O Stone, J Tongue, R Topley, C Woakes.

Partnerships for Development: J. Bethell, J. Hull, J. Turner.