ROOKIE paceman Mitchell Starc will celebrate a $1 million-plus windfall when Cricket Australia today unveils its 2013-14 contract list going into the dual Ashes series.

News Limited can reveal Starc is the big winner in CA’s annual contract allocation, with the 23-year-old surging up the national rankings after a breakthrough 2012-13 campaign.
Last June, CA reduced its contract list from 25 to 17 and Starc, as an emerging talent, was on the lower end of the pay scale, securing a base deal worth about $230 000
But his match-winning performances in the past 10 months across the Test, one-day and Twenty20 formats mean Starc is now regarded as one of Australia’s most important commodities.
It is understood the rangy left-armer has secured a top-five ranking alongside Michael Clarke and Shane Watson, a surge that comes with a seven-figure remuneration.
The major upgrade is timely recognition for Starc, who will be fit for the Ashes in July after cutting short last month’s tour of India for an operation to remove bone spurs.
Starc, who has played nine Tests, has made major strides developmentally since CA’s most recent contract allocation in June.
In that time he has taken 20 wickets in five Tests at 34.80, 15 wickets in 10 T20 games and 27 scalps in 11 one-day fixtures, including consecutive five-wicket hauls against the West Indies in Perth in February.
To complement an outstanding season with the ball, Starc scored 99 in the third Test against India three weeks ago to flag his potential as a genuine all-rounder.
Had he managed to reach triple figures, Starc would have become the first tail-ender in Australia’s history to score a Test century in India.
Starc’s name will be among those read out today in Perth by Australian chairman of selectors John Inverarity.
Reports suggested CA might revert to issuing 25 contracts, but under the current memorandum of understanding (MOU) the organisation is required to hand out between 17 and 20 deals.
The national squad is set for a shake-up of sorts, with retired duo Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey to drop off the list. Others in the firing line include Brad Haddin, David Hussey and Ben Hilfenhaus.
Top-order duo Ed Cowan and Phil Hughes initially missed contracts last June, but will be formally recognised after clinching topped-up CA deals during the summer.
Matt Wade is tipped for a major rise as he plays all three forms, while Glenn Maxwell and Moises Henriques could also make the list. (Herald Sun)