NEW DELHI: Marcus Stoinis, an all-round seam bowler for Australia, unexpectedly declared that he will be retiring from ODIs with immediate effect, ending his international 50-over career at 74 games.
Stoinis will remain eligible for selection in T20Is, according to a statement released by Cricket Australia (CA) on Thursday. He stated that he decided to withdraw from the 50-over format in order to concentrate on T20 cricket. Stoinis’ retirement from ODIs also means CA will replace him with another player in Australia’s squad for the ICC Champion’s Trophy.
“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.
“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. I’ll be cheering the boys on in Pakistan,” said Stoinis in a CA statement.
Stoinis kicked off his ten-year ODI career for Australia against England at Old Trafford in 2015 and during the tour, played his debut Twenty20 International. His second chance to make an impression on Australia’s ODI team was the following year, when he took three wickets and scored an explosive 146 not out against New Zealand at Eden Park.
Stoinis was chosen as the nation’s ODI cricketer of the year in 2018-19 and played a part in Australia’s victory in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. “Stoinis 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,” said head coach Andrew McDonald.
The National Selection Panel (NSP) will finalize the team for the Champion’s Trophy after the Test series against Sri Lanka is over, according to CA. Stoinis is retiring from ODIs just two weeks before the Champions Trophy starts, and there are also injury concerns regarding Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
Due to Stoinis’ withdrawal from ODIs, Australia must make four additions to their 15-man squad for the eight-team tournament after losing all-rounder Mitchell Marsh to a back ailment.
Teams have until February 12 to provide the ICC their final 15-person tournament squads. Australia, Afghanistan, England, and South Africa are all drawn into Group B of the Champions Trophy.