Islamabad, Feb 6: Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has officially retired from One Day Internationals (ODIs), ending a 71-match career in the 50-over format. The 35-year-old, a pivotal member of Australia’s recent World Cup campaigns, has opted to step away from ODIs to extend his T20I career.
Stoinis’s departure creates a major selection challenge for Australia, especially with the ICC Champions Trophy set to commence on February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE. With Mitch Marsh already sidelined due to injury, Stoinis was a strong candidate to replace him in the squad. Additionally, with pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood facing fitness concerns, the selectors may need to rethink their lineup for the tournament.
During his ODI tenure, Stoinis played a key role in two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups (2019 and 2023), with his final appearance coming against Pakistan in Perth in November 2023. Renowned for his game-changing performances with both bat and ball, he was an integral part of Australia’s white-ball success for nearly a decade.
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Reflecting on his decision, Stoinis expressed deep appreciation for his journey while reaffirming his commitment to T20 cricket.
“It wasn’t an easy choice, but I believe now is the right time to step away from ODIs and fully concentrate on the next phase of my career. I’ve had a great relationship with Ron (Andrew McDonald), and I truly appreciate his support. I’ll be backing the team all the way in Pakistan,” Stoinis stated.
Despite retiring from ODIs, Stoinis remains a crucial asset in Australia’s T20 squad. His decision aligns with a broader trend where white-ball specialists focus on the shorter format, ensuring his continued demand in both international and franchise leagues.
For Australia, the immediate priority is addressing the gaps left by Stoinis and Marsh ahead of the Champions Trophy. With the squad submission deadline fast approaching, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the final team composition for the high-stakes tournament in Pakistan and the UAE.
