As the forthcoming edition of the Champions Trophy 2025 moves closer, the cricketing fraternity keeps buzzing with shocking and even more shocking news. Today, Australia’s all-rounder shocked everyone with his sudden retirement from the ODI series.
Now, Australia will be without the services of Stoinis, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh. It seems like fortune isn’t favoring the brave Australian side right before the Champions Trophy.
The 35-year-old Stoinis has represented Australia in 71 ODIs, scoring 1,495 runs at an average of 26.69 and also taking 48 wickets with the ball.
“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 said.
“Representing my country at the highest level is something I’ll always cherish.”
“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.”
Stoinis was part of the ODI World Cup 2023 when his side lifted the ODI World Cup Trophy, beating the home side India in the final. After that, he played only one ODI against Pakistan in the recent series held in November. The all-rounder did not receive any central contract from the board as well. Nevertheless, the right-arm pacer is available for his side in the shortest format of the game.
Reacting to this news, coach McDonald congratulated Stoinis on an incredible ODI career and termed him an “incredible leader and player.”
“Stoin has been such a pivotal part of our ODI setup for the past decade,” McDonald said. “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.”
The assistant coach, Daniel Vettori, said that he wasn’t directly involved in any of the decisions made by the star all-rounder.
“I wasn’t involved in those discussions, but from our perspective, Stoinis was trying to map out how one-day cricket was going for him,” assistant coach Daniel Vettori said after the opening day of the second Test in Galle.
“[The] 2027 World Cup is a long way away. From my perspective, it’s been great the way he’s been able to lead with the ball at times. I think back to that 2023 World Cup and those two breakthroughs against Pakistan, and his style of bowling and his aggressiveness. If the big three weren’t able to get a breakthrough or Zamps, then Stoin was turned to a lot on the bowling front, and he brought real energy and attitude.”
Now, Australia finds themselves in a confusing situation as Cameron Green is not available, and Marsh is already out with an injury. Who can replace Stoinis? It is yet to be decided.
