Champions Trophy | Stoinis adds to Aussie injury woes with immediate retirement from ODIs

M‌arcus Stoinis has decided to bring down the curtains on a decade long ODI career that included winning the ultimate prize in India in 2023. The all-rounder was a part of Australia's provisional Champions Trophy squad but recently complained of some hamstring tightness in the SA20 and did not bowl in their latest game against Johannesburg Super Kings while managing a duck with the bat.

Stoinis made 71 ODI appearances and scored 1,495 runs, including an unbeaten 146 in New Zealand as an international rookie to lead his team to a famous win at Eden Park. In the same game, he scalped three wickets and finishes on 48 scalps at an average of 43.12.    

"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," Stoinis said today.

"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 (Australia men's team head coach Andrew McDonald) and I’ve hugely appreciated his support. I’ll be cheering the boys on in Pakistan [for the Champions Trophy]."

Stoinis has become the second pace bowling all-rounder to bow out from the marquee tournament after Mitchell Marsh, while third alternative Aaron Hardie is also doubtful to send down overs without restriction. With Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood also not yet fully fit, Australia might have to find as many as four replacements before the February 12 deadline for submitting the final 15 names. Beau Webster's recent success in the Baggy Green makes him a frontrunner in a list that potentially includes Jake-Fraser McGurk, Tanveer Sangha, Sean Abbott, and Ashton Agar.

"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," McDonald said of the 35-year-old.