SYDNEY, June 22: Cricket Australia (CA) has avoided the potential embarrassment of a strike by agreeing a new ‘memorandum of understanding’ with the players, albeit one which cuts the number of centrally contracted players from 25 to 17.

There had been rumblings about the possibility of a strike during protracted negotiations over the new deal, which determines the proportion of CA’s revenue that goes to the players.

The new deal, which was announced on Friday and will run for five years, features a reduction in the number of players contracted for the national team but an expansion of players contracted by each of the states from 15 to 20.

The national selectors will be able to add players to the list, which is expected to form the basis of Australia’s teams in all three formats of the game, “as and when performance warrants”, chief selector John Inverarity said.

“The list of 17 players is brim full of talent, raw enthusiasm and determination to enhance the performance and reputation of Australian cricket,” he said. “In addition, there are a number of very good and highly regarded players who [we] have considerable faith in – and hopes for – who didn’t, on this occasion, ‘make the cut’ for the contract list of 17.

There were no major surprises in those contracted, although former captain Ricky Ponting and experienced wicket-keeper Brad Haddin might be considered fortunate to still qualify for the terms, which offer a basic salary of A$230,000 ($232,900).

Australia are currently in England for five ODIs and they will face South Africa and Sri Lanka in three-Test series on home soil at the end of the year.

Contracted players: Michael Clarke, Patrick Cummins, Xavier Doherty, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, Shane Watson, David Warner.—Reuters