Two of Australia’s summer Test heroes, Mitchell Johnson and David Warner, are in line for significant pay rises when Cricket Australia announce new contract lists next week.
Both Johnson and Warner played big roles in the 5-0 Ashes sweep of England in December and January before helping Australia clinch a 2-1 series victory in South Africa earlier this month.
A number of Australian internationals are expected to see a pay increase across the board after a new media rights deal of more than $500 million was recently secured.
Changes Loom After Australia Face Do-Or-Die Challenge At World T20
Captain Michael Clarke is a certainty to remain Australia’s number one paid player, however a competition looms between Mitchell Johnson and David Warner for second on that list.
Johnson is in line to receive a $1 million deal after having spent the previous season towards the lower end of the pay bracket. His extreme pace bowling resulted in 37 wickets against England while Warner tallied his ninth century of the summer, averaging 91 in South Africa including scores of 135 and 145 in the decider in Cape Town.
Both players were recently made high picks in the IPL Auction with Johnson set for a $1.15 million deal for the short-term stint and Warner to earn just short of $900,000 with Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Johnson missed Australia’s World T20 opener against Pakistan on Sunday and could miss the entire World Cup after sustaining a toe infection during the series in South Africa.
The 32-year-old has dealt with a number of injuries over the past few years and will likely be left on ice until he has made a full recovery.
Other big winners will likely include Cape Town hero Ryan Harris and keeper Brad Haddin, who revived his Test career last summer and will likely earn contracts in all three forms of international cricket.
Test action for the Aussies will get underway in late October against Pakistan and then a four-Test home stand against India across December and January.
Keep up with Australia’s run at the World T20 and get amongst CraveOnlineAU on Twitter and Facebook for daily sport, music, entertainment and gaming news.
Photo: Saeed Khan/Getty Images
