Australian allrounder Marcus Stoinis has made the surprising decision to retire from One Day International (ODI) cricket with immediate effect, ruling himself out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the UAE.
Despite being included in Australia’s preliminary 15-man squad for the tournament, the 35-year-old will no longer participate, with his replacement set to be announced by February 12. Stoinis will now shift his focus entirely to T20 cricket, where he remains available for national selection.
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Injury Concerns and Franchise Commitments
Stoinis has been playing for Durban’s Super Giants in the ongoing SA20, a South African T20 franchise league. However, he recently sustained a mild hamstring injury while bowling, which may have influenced his decision to step away from the ODI format.
Although the hard-hitting allrounder was expected to play a key role in the absence of the injured Cameron Green, his departure leaves Australia searching for alternatives ahead of the Champions Trophy.
A Decade-Long Journey in ODIs
Since making his ODI debut against England at Headingley in 2017, Stoinis has been a significant figure in Australia’s white-ball setup. He accumulated 1495 runs across 71 ODIs at an average of 26.69, with his highest score being a sensational unbeaten 146 against New Zealand in Auckland.
With the ball, he picked up 48 wickets at 43.12 apiece, proving his worth as a versatile allrounder. He was a key part of Australia’s 2019 and 2023 ODI World Cup squads, playing an important role in the latter tournament, particularly with the ball against Pakistan, as the team rebounded from a shaky start to claim the title.
Reflecting on his ODI career, Stoinis expressed his gratitude: “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.”
The Right Time to Move On
Stoinis acknowledged that stepping away from the format was a tough call but felt it was the right decision at this stage of his 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. 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.”
His exit marks the end of an era, with coach Andrew McDonald commending Stoinis for his contributions: “Stoin 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.”
Australia Faces Key Selection Challenges
Stoinis’ absence adds to Australia’s growing concerns ahead of the Champions Trophy. Mitchell Marsh has already been ruled out due to a back injury, while captain Pat Cummins and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood are also unlikely to feature.
With multiple changes required, Australia’s final squad for the tournament will be announced following the conclusion of the second Test against Sri Lanka.
While his ODI chapter has closed, Stoinis remains a formidable force in the shortest format, with eyes now set on future T20 assignments, both domestically and internationally.
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FAQs
Why did Marcus Stoinis retire from ODI cricket?
Marcus Stoinis retired from ODIs to focus entirely on T20 cricket. He cited it as the right time to step away and emphasized his gratitude for representing Australia in the 50-over format.
Will Marcus Stoinis play in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
No, Stoinis has withdrawn from Australia’s Champions Trophy squad. His replacement will be announced before February 12.
What are Marcus Stoinis’ ODI career stats?
Stoinis played 71 ODIs, scoring 1495 runs at an average of 26.69 with a highest score of 146*. He also took 48 wickets at 43.12.
Did an injury influence Stoinis’ decision to retire?
Stoinis recently sustained a mild hamstring injury while playing for Durban’s Super Giants in the SA20, which may have contributed to his decision.
Who will replace Marcus Stoinis in Australia’s Champions Trophy squad?
Australia has yet to announce his replacement, but the final squad will be confirmed after the second Test against Sri Lanka.
