Marcus Stoinis ODI Retirement: Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis had called time on his ODI career decision which rules him out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Cricket Australia announced that Stoinis will be available to represent the Australian cricket team for T20I format. Reports suggested that the all-rounder wants to focus on the shortest format of the game.
Stoinis’s retirement from ODI’s further deepens Australia’s crisis ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. They will need to make at least four changes to their preliminary squad for the ICC event with skipper Pat Cummins, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and all rounder Mitchell Marsh out from the squad.
Marsh has not recovered from a back injury while Cummins is out due to an ankle issue which had affected him in recent Border Gavaskar Trophy Test series against India. Hazlewood has a hip problem, which comes on the heels of previous hip and calf strains.
Stoinis was part of Australia’s World Cup-winning squad and had been named in Australia’s preliminary 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy. He will have to be replaced in the final squad, which has to be named by February 12.
The prestigious ODI tournament will be played in Pakistan and the UAE later this month.
“Playing ODI cricket for Australia has been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for every moment I’ve had in the green and gold. Representing my country at the highest level is something I’ll always cherish,” Stonis was quoted as saying.
“This wasn’t an easy decision, but I believe it’s the right time for me to step away from ODIs and fully focus on the next chapter of my career. I’ve got a fantastic relationship with Ron (Andrew McDonald) and I’ve hugely appreciated his support,” he added.
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The 35-year-old all-rounder, who has been in action for Durban Super Giants in South Africa’s T20 league, is currently injured after picking up a mild hamstring injury while bowling.
Stoinis played in 71 ODIs for Australia since making his debut back in 2015.
“Stoin has been such a pivotal part of our ODI setup for the past decade. Not only has he been an invaluable player but also an incredible person to have in the group. He is a natural leader, an exceptionally popular player and a great person. He should be congratulated on his ODI career and all of his achievements,” Australian men’s coach Andrew McDonald said.
