England name record 39 men on central contracts for 2026-27

England have put a record 39 men's players on central contracts for 2026-27. The ECB confirmed 30 full deals, up from 26, plus nine development contracts topping up county pay. A central deal means the ECB pays the player directly. It lands alongside a split coaching set-up, with Stephen Fleming leading the Tests and Brendon McCullum the white-ball sides.