Marcus Stoinis has announced his sudden retirement from ODI cricket, delivering a significant blow to Australia just weeks before the ICC Champions Trophy. The 35-year-old all-rounder was initially included in Australia’s squad for the tournament, as well as the upcoming two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in Colombo. However, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed this morning that Stoinis has decided to step away from ODIs to focus on T20 cricket.
Reflecting on his decision, Stoinis said, “Playing ODI cricket for Australia has been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for every moment I’ve spent in the green and gold. Representing my country at the highest level is something I will always cherish.”
He further added, “This wasn’t an easy decision, but I felt this was the right time to step away and focus fully on the next chapter of my career. My relationship with ‘Ron’ (head coach Andrew McDonald) is fantastic, and I appreciate his support for my decision. I will be cheering for my teammates.”
Stoinis made his ODI debut in 2015 and played his last match against Pakistan in November 2023 in his hometown, Perth. Across 71 matches, he scored 1,495 runs at a strike rate of 93.97, with six fifties and one century. As a medium-pace bowler, he took 48 wickets.
Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald praised Stoinis, saying, “He has been a vital part of our ODI setup for nearly a decade. Beyond his skills as a player, he’s a natural leader, an exceptional teammate, and a great person. He deserves recognition for his ODI career and all his contributions.”
Stoinis’ unexpected retirement has further complicated the job for Australia’s selection committee, led by George Bailey. Mitchell Marsh had already been ruled out of the Champions Trophy on January 31 due to a back injury. Additionally, captain Pat Cummins and pacer Josh Hazlewood remain uncertain due to fitness concerns. This means Australia will now need to name four replacement players ahead of both the Sri Lanka series and the Champions Trophy.
Reports suggest Spencer Johnson, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Sean Abbott could fill the spots left by Cummins, Marsh, and Hazlewood. Meanwhile, Stoinis’ retirement has opened the door for 22-year-old Mitchell Owen, who recently made headlines with a blistering century in the Big Bash League final. Even former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has advocated for Owen’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad.
The ICC Champions Trophy kicks off on February 19 in Karachi with a match between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand. Australia, two-time champions, will begin their campaign against arch-rivals England on February 22 in Lahore.
