Australia’s batting all-rounder Marcus Stoinis justified the promotion up the order and guided Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to an unlikely six-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk. After Stoinis’ unbeaten 124 rewrote history books, he was asked about whether he has a message for the Australian selectors and head coach Andrew McDonald as he was excluded from the central contracts list. Stoinis revealed that the decision was communicated to him properly. Also, he has no message for the selectors if they want to choose someone else for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies.
“I’ve got a great relationship with the coach (Australian head coach), me not getting a contract, I knew that long ago. It’s great to let the kids come in and get an opportunity, I’m happy to let them take my spot. But on the playing front, I’d like to play and contribute,” Stoinis said in the post-match presentation.
No mindless hitting for Stoinis
Stoinis hit six sixes and 13 fours. He kept LSG in hunt despite much support from the other end until Nicholas Pooran arrived at the crease. The explosive batter said that he was not just looking to hit the bowlers for boundaries but planning which one to target.
“It’s not just go go go, there were some bowlers we wanted to target and some bowlers we wanted to be more cautious against. There was a phase where I wasn’t able to hit the boundaries so it was great Pooran could come in and take the pressure off,” the 34-year-old said.
Stoinis looked to adapt
The Australian also admitted that the game is changing with the impact player rule incorporated and there is a need to adapt.
“Lots of ebbs and flows, just tried to keep it in control. You’re planning and structuring, you're not liking certain bowlers and you’re liking others more. I do think T20 cricket is changing, the scores that have been scored, the impact player role and how teams are taking on the bowlers,” he added.
Stoinis' phenomenal knock helped LSG register their fifth win of the tournament from five games and climb to the fourth spot on the points table.
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