Marcus Stoinis opens up on format preference, ‘brilliant’ Hardie and ODI snub

Star Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis acknowledged his omission from the ODI squad against West Indies, stating it makes ‘complete sense’ after the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Stoinis’ performance was not up to the mark in Australia’s title-winning campaign, where he scored just 87 runs and picked only four wickets in six games. 

Aaron Hardie and Matt Short were included in the 13-man ODI squad ahead of Stoinis. It is worth noting that, the 34-year-old has been in bad shape in one-day cricket over the past year. 

“We spoke yesterday in terms of selections and in terms of the fact Hardie is coming in … I think that’s brilliant. He has been playing brilliantly and he also needs to be exposed in international cricket, which I think he is ready for. I think that 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 they are looking forward to is the Champions Trophy, which is 18 months away,” Stoinis was quoted as saying by Wide World of Sports.

“I’ve got no intention of retiring from international cricket or anything like that, but I think it makes complete sense. I don’t own any position in any sort of team,” he added.

Stoinis went on to reveal his talks with Australia head coach Andrew McDonald over the past few months. He is hoping to get a spot in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, having confidence in his performance in the shortest format of the game. 

“I’ve got every intention to play T20 cricket for Australia for as long as I can and for as long as they want me. I feel like my international and T20 cricket has been good … I’ve got a great relationship with the boys in the team. There needs to be a transition to get people into the team and to expose people. We don’t want to give up a spot, but we understand the landscape of cricket,” he further said.

AUS ODI squad versus WI: Steve Smith (c), Travis Head (vc), Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matt Short, Adam Zampa.