England hand out central contracts to record 39 cricketers

The ECB has increased its number of centrally contracted players to a record 39, including 30 full ‌contracts. Ben Stokes and Mark Wood retired from international cricket, while Zak Crawley and Luke Wood didn't receive contract renewals. Uncapped seamer Henry Crocombe ​was awarded a two-year deal as one of seven players added to England's full-contract list ​for the first time.