LONDON, Sept 20: Batsman Alastair Cook and left-arm spinner Monty Panesar have been awarded 12-month central contracts after impressive starts to their England careers this year.

Last year's Ashes captain Michael Vaughan and fast bowler Simon Jones, who have not played Test cricket this year because of serious knee injuries, have also been given contracts until the end of the 2007 domestic international season.

Neither player is available for the forthcoming Ashes tour to Australia.

Neither Geraint Jones nor Chris Read, who replaced Jones as the England wicket-keeper against Pakistan, has been given a contract.

“This is the largest number of England 12-month central contracts awarded thus far and reflects the excellent progress made by younger players such as Alastair Cook and Monty Panesar,” chairman of selectors David Graveney said in a statement on Wednesday.

Contracted players: Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Alastair Cook, Ashley Giles, Andrew Flintoff, Stephen Harmison, Matthew Hoggard, Simon Jones, Kevin Pietersen, Monty Panesar, Andrew Strauss, Marcus Trescothick, Michael Vaughan.—Reuters