Hussey set to gain in new contracts

Mike Hussey will be rewarded for an outstanding start to his career when the latest contracts are announced © Getty Images

The identity of the squad of players that will carry Australia's attempts to win the Champions Trophy, regain the Ashes and retain the World Cup will be revealed on Monday when Cricket Australia announces its central contracts. There will be upward movement for some stars - such as Mike Hussey - while others, like Simon Katich and Jason Gillespie, are facing a pay cut.

This will be the first contracts list released since Australia lost the Ashes and, although they have since embarked on an all-conquering run, the names and retainers will reflect this. Hussey is set to be the biggest winner after becoming the quickest batsman to 1000 Test runs - in terms of days since debut - and his low to mid-range contract could now be increased to match the likes of Adam Gilchrist and Brett Lee.

A glimpse at Australia's future will be given with the younger players who are offered deals. Mark Cosgrove's impressive debut in Bangladesh should earn him a low-level contract, while Mitchell Johnson could also benefit and Dan Cullen can expect to be retained in the list. Phil Jaques is likely to be included but Brad Hodge could miss out despite his Test double-century against South Africa.

Although 25 is the number of players usually contracted, Cricket Australia may stretch the group this year to cover for Shane Watson and Shaun Tait, who are earmarked for key roles in the future but are currently under injury clouds.