SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 08: The Australian team pose with the Waterford Crystal trophy after winning the Ashes series 4-1 during day five of the Fifth Test in the 2025/26 Ashes Series between Australia and England at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 08, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
UPDATE: Australia’s cricketers are set to earn a lucrative bonus of approximately $1.6 million following their commanding 4-1 series win against England in the Ashes. This remarkable victory not only solidifies Australia’s position as the world’s top-ranked team but also guarantees players significant financial rewards.
The win ensures that players like Travis Head, Mitchell Starc, and Steve Smith will benefit from this bonus, which is part of a deal established between players and Cricket Australia in 2023. Under this agreement, the bonus is distributed among players, rewarding their impressive performance during the series.
In an exciting twist, Michael Neser, who joined the team midway through the Ashes, has triggered an upgrade to his contract, making him one of the standout players after taking 15 wickets and scoring 75 runs in just three matches. His performance, along with that of opener Jake Weatherald, has allowed them to secure a minimum contract with Cricket Australia worth around $350,000.
As of now, Australia holds a comfortable lead over South Africa and England in the ICC Test rankings, a status that will be locked in until April 1 when no further Test matches are scheduled. This assures the players of their bonus payout based on their current ranking, even as they prepare to transition back to T20 cricket in the Big Bash League.
Excitement buzzes as players return to their respective teams in the Big Bash League, just days after the end of the intense Ashes series. Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne featured for Brisbane Heat against Sydney Thunder on Saturday, while Steve Smith faced disruptions in his return to the Sydney Sixers due to rain.
As the cricket community celebrates this significant achievement, the focus now shifts to how these bonuses will impact the players’ careers moving forward. With England set to begin their home summer against New Zealand, all eyes will be on how these Australian stars perform in the upcoming matches and whether they can sustain their winning momentum.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Australia’s cricketing heroes enjoy the fruits of their labor!
