Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has announced his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket, effective immediately, just weeks before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Stoinis, who has been a pivotal player in Australia's ODI setup, made this surprising decision to focus on his career in the T20 format both for Australia and in various T20 leagues around the globe.
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| Image Credits: The Statesman |
At 35, Stoinis has had a notable ODI career, having played 71 matches since his debut against England in 2015. Over these matches, he scored 1495 runs with a strike rate of 93.96, including one century and six fifties. His highest score of 146* came against New Zealand, showcasing his ability to turn games around with the bat. With the ball, he managed to take 48 wickets at an average of 43.12, proving his all-round capabilities.
Stoinis was part of Australia's victorious 2023 ODI World Cup squad, where his contributions were key in several matches. His decision to retire from ODIs comes as Australia faces a selection headache with several key players, including Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh, also dealing with injuries ahead of the Champions Trophy.
"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," Stoinis expressed in his retirement statement. He also acknowledged the support from head coach Andrew McDonald, indicating his continued commitment to the T20 format.
This retirement marks the end of an era for Australian cricket, leaving fans and selectors to ponder the future lineup for upcoming tournaments without one of their most versatile players.
