All-rounder Marcus Stoinis has announced his retirement from ODIs, leaving the Australians with another vacancy to fill ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy.
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On Thursday afternoon, Cricket Australia confirmed the 35-year-old’s ODI career had come to an end, allowing him to focus on T20 cricket. The West Australian played 71 ODIs following his debut in 2015, scoring 1495 runs at 26.69 and taking 48 wickets at 43.12.
He will continue to be available in T20Is. The right-hander is currently playing for Durban’s Super Giants in the ongoing SA20 tournament, where he reportedly sustained a hamstring injury.
Stoinis helped Australia win the World Cup in 2023, while he was named ODI player of the year in 2019. The highlight of his 50-over international career was his unbeaten 146 (117) against New Zealand at Eden Park in January 2017, also taking three wickets in a losing cause.
“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 in a statement.
“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.”
Australian coach Andrew McDonald said in a statement: “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.”
Stoinis’ retirement creates another selection headache for Australia ahead of the Champions Trophy campaign, which gets underway in the subcontinent later this month. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh has already been ruled out of the tournament due to a back complaint, while Cameron Green is still recovering from surgery.
Meanwhile, captain Pat Cummins and bowler Josh Hazlewood are also under an injury cloud ahead of the ICC event.
Australia will finalise its Champions Trophy squad next week, with up to four changes expected from the provisional list.
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