Australia's World Cup-winning star all-rounder Marcus Stoinis announced shocking retirement from ODI with immediate effect and will now feature in T20Is. Stoinis was named in Australia's preliminary 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad now he will be replaced in the final squad to be named by February 12.
The star all-rounder was recently featured for Durban's Super Giants in the ongoing South Africa T20 league where he reportedly sustained a mild hamstring injury while bowling.
However, it was a desire to devote the latter stage of his career to the T20 format, for Australia and at the franchise level, that prompted his decision to call time on his ODI playing days.
"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 today as quoted by Cricket Australia.
"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 (Australia men's team coach Andrew McDonald) and I’ve hugely appreciated his support.
"I’ll be cheering the boys on in Pakistan."
Stoinis made his ODI debut against England in 2015 and played 71 ODIs where he scored 1495 runs in 64 innings with a high score of 146 not out which came against New Zealand at Eden Park; he also picked up three wickets in the same match. The speedster picked 48 wickets in his ODI career. The 35-year-old played his last ODI against Pakistan in Perth on November 10, 2024.
Champions Trophy is scheduled to start from February 19 where Australia will start their campaign against England on February 22 in Lahore, Pakistan.
Australia preliminary squad: Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa (squad yet to be finalised)
