In a stunning bout, ex-World Cup squad member Marcus Stoinis has declared an immediate retirement from one-day international cricket but will still remain available for T20I national selection.
Stoinis was named as a probable for Australia’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy ODI tournament commencing in less than a month in the Pakistan-UAE corridor; however, he will be replaced ahead of the final squad to be named by 12 February.
The 35-year-old allrounder has been playing a second T20I series for Durban’s Super Giants in the ongoing South African T20 franchise competition where he suffered the mild hamstring injury while bowling a few recent days back.
Yet he walked away from ODIs in favor of the anticipatory T20 format, be it for Australia or at the franchise level.
“Playing ODI cricket for Australia has been an amazing journey, and I have enjoyed every moment wearing the green and gold,” said Stoinis.
“To represent my country at the highest level is something I will always cherish.
“This wasn’t an easy decision, but I think it’s the right time for me to move on from ODIs and focus fully on the next chapter of my career.
“Ron (Australia men’s team coach Andrew McDonald) and I have a great relationship, and I really appreciate his support.
“I will be cheering for the boys in Pakistan.”
McDonald, who is accompanying the Australian Test team in Galle for the second Test before heading for Pakistan later in the month, paid tribute to the towering allrounder who played 74 one-day internationals across almost a decade.
Stoinis was awarded One Day Player of the Year at the 2019 Australian Cricket Awards.
“Marcus has been such a pivotal part of our ODI setup for over the last ten years,” said McDonald today.
“Not only 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.”
Stoinis rose to prominence nearly 18 months post-his ODI debut against England at Headingley, slamming an unbeaten 146 off 117 balls batting at No. 7 to almost bring Australia home against New Zealand at Eden Park.
He also picked up 3-49 in 10 overs in January 2017, his second match in Australia’s colours, and was named player of the match in Australia’s narrow six-run loss.
This was also the Western Australian’s declaration into the force of white-ball cricket, and he ended the 50-over format with 1495 runs at 93.96 strike rate.
He also took 48 wickets at the cost of 43.12 in 74 outings, being part of Australia’s World Cup ODI squads in England in 2019 and during their victorious campaigns four years later in India.
