Marcus Stoinis Announces ODI Retirement Ahead of Champions Trophy
In a surprise decision just ahead of the beginning of the ICC Champions Trophy, Australian seam-bowling all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has stated his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket immediately. Cricket Australia has confirmed that Stoinis would remain accessible for T20 International selection as well, which motivated his desire to retire from the 50-over format with immediate effect.
The Australian cricketer, who has played for his country in 74 ODIs, spoke of his time playing for his country with pride. "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", he said. “Representing my country at the highest level is something I’ll always cherish”. Despite the difficulty of stepping away, Stoinis feels it is the right time to focus on the next chapter of his career. He also thanked Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald for his unwavering support.
The 34-year-old debuted in ODIs in 2015, his first match played against England at Old Trafford; he also represented Australia in T20I in the same tour. However, it was until 2016 that Stoinis finally gained a permanent slot in Australia's ODI set-up with his stunning 146 not out along with a three-wicket haul against New Zealand at Eden Park.
Stoinis was part of the victorious Australia squad in the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, where he contributed with bat and ball to the team. He has earned the title of Australia's ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2018-19, highlighting his importance to the team's lineup. Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald praised Stoinis for his contributions to the ODI format as 'a pivotal part' of the team over the last decade, hailing him as "a natural leader, an exceptionally popular player and a great person". "Stoin should be congratulated on his ODI career and all of his achievements", McDonald said.
With Stoinis going off early and overall all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who has a back injury, withdrawing, Australia is staring at the challenge of replacing multiple players in their squad when the Champions Trophy is scheduled to start in a few weeks. Injury issues for fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood do not make the situation any easier. The National Selection Panel (NSP) will likely finalize the squad for the tournament after the Test series currently being played against Sri Lanka comes to a close.
Australia, in Group B, with Afghanistan, England, and South Africa, will have till February 12 to send their final 15-man squad for the high-profile eight-team event.
