Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has announced his surprise retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) with immediate effect, ending his 50-over career after 74 matches. He will continue to play in T20Is, focusing on the shorter format, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed on Thursday.
Stoinis’ retirement means Australia will need to find a replacement for him in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. “Playing ODI cricket for Australia has been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for every moment. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I believe it’s the right time to step away and focus on the next chapter,” Stoinis said in a statement.
His ODI career began in 2015 against England, but his breakthrough came in 2017 when he scored a stunning 146 not out against New Zealand while also taking three wickets. Stoinis played a key role in Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup victory and was named the country’s ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2018-19.
Australian head coach Andrew McDonald praised Stoinis, calling him a “pivotal part” of the ODI squad and a “natural leader.”
With Stoinis stepping away, and injuries to Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Australia must finalize their 15-man Champions Trophy squad by February 12. They are in Group B, alongside Afghanistan, England, and South Africa.
