(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has been dropped from the side’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against the West Indies, starting on February 2 in Melbourne.
Stoinis had a pretty mediocre ODI World Cup 2023. He scored just 87 runs in five innings at an average of 21.75 and a strike-rate of 112.99. He did not do well with the ball either, claiming just four wickets while yielding runs at an economy rate of 7.53.
As Australia prepare for the next ODI tournament, which will come in 2025 in the form of the Champions Trophy, the selectors and the team management have made a change, replacing Stoinis with Aaron Hardie.
When asked about the snub, Stoinis’ thought process aligned with those who dropped him. He reflected on his conversations with head coach Andrew McDonald and chairman of selectors George Bailey, stating that calling up Hardie is a right move to make considering the upcoming Champions Trophy.
“I had a few conversations with Andrew McDonald over the last sort of four to six months. Spoke to George as well. In terms of selections, in terms of the fact that Hardie’s coming in, I think that’s brilliant. I think it makes complete sense after a World Cup. There needs to be a balance between keeping a core and bringing new guys in. The next tournament that they’re looking forward to is the Champions Trophy, which is 18 months away,” Stoinis said as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
Stoinis is currently featuring in the Big Bash League. He will be representing Durban Super Giants in SA20 2024. He is in the mix for the T20Is and could be selected for the three 20-over matches scheduled versus the West Indies from February 9 to February 13.
“I’ve got no intention of retiring from international cricket or anything like that. I think it makes complete sense. He’s (Hardie) been playing brilliantly. He also needs to be exposed in international cricket which I think he’s ready for. I’ll be going to South Africa for the play for my IPL franchise Lucknow over there which Cricket Australia has been in the loop with the whole time. So I think all makes sense, to be honest,” Stoinis added.