Marcus Stoinis retires from ODI cricket with immediate effect

Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has called time on his ODI career with immediate effect. Cricket Australia announced this on February 6 and added that he wants to shift his focus to T20 cricket. Stoinis leaves having featured in 71 ODIs since making his debut in 2015. Stoinis was earlier included in the Champions Trophy squad, and will now be replaced. 

"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. Representing my country at the highest level is something I'll always cherish," Stoinis said.

"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," he added.

Stoinis's career-best score with the bat came only in his second game- an unbeaten 146 against the Black Caps in Auckland in 2017. He last featured in the Pakistan tour last November and ended with 1498 runs and 48 wickets to his name in this format. The all-rounder was also a part of Australia’s World Series winning campaign in 2023 and was the team’s ODI cricketer of the year in 2018/19. 

"Stoinis has been such a pivotal part of our ODI setup for the past decade. 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," Australian men's Head Coach Andrew McDonald said.