Stoinis retirement adds to Australia’s Champions Trophy woes

PERTH: Australian batting all-rounder Marcus Stoinis announced his immediate retirement from competing in the One Day International (ODI) format. The 35-year-old Australian star will not be competing in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy, adding to Australia’s struggles in completing their squad for the upcoming tournament.

Stoinis stated his reason for retiring from ODI cricket is to focus on prolonging his T20 career.

“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.”

Stoinis has competed in 71 ODI contests, in which he has scored 1495 runs, at an average of 26.69. His high score of 146 came against New Zealand in the second ever ODI game he played, back in 2017. That was his only century in the format, but he has also made six half centuries. Stoinis has also taken 48 wickets across the 71 games he has played, with his best figures of three for 16 coming against South Africa in 2018.

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The Australian batting all-rounder last competed against Pakistan back in November in the final game of the three-match series. It was a disappointing performance in which he only managed to score eight runs. That game was Stoinis’ only outing in the format in 2024.

“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.”

Alongside the retirement announcement, Australia coach Andrew McDonald lauded Stoinis for his contributions to the team.

“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.”

Stoinis’ departure from Australia’s Champions Trophy squad adds to their struggle in finalising their 15-player team. Besides Stoinis, both Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are in doubt for the tournament. Australia will thus need to search for four players to add to their previously announced squad, which only included 14 players. Mitch Marsh is also missing the upcoming tournament due to injury.

Australia’s current preliminary squad is as follows: Pat Cummins (doubtful), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood (doubtful), Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa (14th and 15th player not named)

The final squad is to be named by February 12, according to Cricket Australia.

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