Marcus Stoinis Announces Shock Retirement from ODI Cricket Ahead of Champions Trophy 2025
In a shocking move, Marcus Stoinis, the Australian all-rounder, has announced his immediate retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket. This unexpected decision comes just months before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE). Stoinis’ retirement rules him out of competing in the prestigious tournament, which Australia had hoped he would play a key role in. However, Stoinis confirmed that he would remain available for T20 International (T20I) cricket, signalling his intention to focus on the shorter format of the game.
The announcement, made on February 6, 2025, caught many by surprise, especially considering the timing, with the Champions Trophy just around the corner. Now, Cricket Australia is tasked with finding a replacement for Stoinis as they prepare for the high-stakes tournament in the coming months.
Stoinis’ ODI Career: A Journey of Grit and Success
Here are the detailed statistics for Marcus Stoinis:
Career Averages
| Span | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 0s | 4s | 6s |
| 2015-2017 | 71 | 64 | 8 | 1495 | 146* | 26.69 | 1591 | 93.96 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 134 | 49 |
Against Teams
| Team | Span | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 0s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 2019-2023 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 6.00 | 7 | 85.71 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Bangladesh | 2019-2023 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 17 | 17* | – | 11 | 154.54 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| England | 2015-2023 | 20 | 19 | 0 | 425 | 87 | 22.36 | 428 | 99.29 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 32 | 14 |
| India | 2017-2023 | 18 | 17 | 5 | 438 | 62* | 36.50 | 503 | 87.07 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 42 | 10 |
| New Zealand | 2017-2022 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 214 | 146* | 53.50 | 208 | 102.88 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 12 |
| Pakistan | 2019-2024 | 10 | 8 | 0 | 139 | 49 | 17.37 | 169 | 82.24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 4 |
| South Africa | 2018-2023 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 151 | 63 | 18.87 | 172 | 87.79 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 19 | 5 |
| Sri Lanka | 2022-2023 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 64 | 44 | 64.00 | 41 | 156.09 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 |
| West Indies | 2019-2019 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 19 | 19 | 19.00 | 23 | 82.60 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Zimbabwe | 2022-2022 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 22 | 19 | 11.00 | 29 | 75.86 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
In Host Country
| Host Country | Span | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 0s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 2018-2024 | 21 | 19 | 1 | 446 | 87 | 24.77 | 498 | 89.55 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 33 | 16 |
| England | 2015-2020 | 17 | 16 | 1 | 223 | 44 | 14.86 | 264 | 84.46 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 25 | 3 |
| India | 2017-2023 | 19 | 17 | 5 | 439 | 62* | 36.58 | 478 | 91.84 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 44 | 12 |
| New Zealand | 2017-2017 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 188 | 146* | 188.00 | 165 | 113.93 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 12 |
| Pakistan | 2022-2022 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 94 | 49 | 31.33 | 94 | 100.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 3 |
| South Africa | 2023-2023 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 45 | 18 | 15.00 | 35 | 128.57 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 |
| Sri Lanka | 2022-2022 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 44 | 44 | 44.00 | 31 | 141.93 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 |
| U.A.E. | 2019-2019 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 16 | 10 | 5.33 | 26 | 61.53 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
In Continent
| Continent | Span | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 0s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Africa | 2023-2023 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 45 | 18 | 15.00 | 35 | 128.57 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 |
| Asia | 2017-2023 | 28 | 24 | 5 | 593 | 62* | 31.21 | 629 | 94.27 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 56 | 17 |
| Europe | 2015-2020 | 17 | 16 | 1 | 223 | 44 | 14.86 | 264 | 84.46 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 25 | 3 |
| Oceania | 2017-2024 | 23 | 21 | 2 | 634 | 146* | 33.36 | 663 | 95.62 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 46 | 28 |
Marcus Stoinis has been an integral part of the Australian cricket team, particularly in the ODI format, for several years. Known for his explosive batting and useful medium-fast bowling, Stoinis played 71 ODIs for Australia, accumulating 1495 runs at an average of 26.69. His highest score was a memorable 146 not out against New Zealand in Auckland back in 2017. In addition to his batting prowess, Stoinis contributed with the ball, taking 48 wickets at an average of 43.12.
Stoinis’ role in the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup was also significant, where he was a key player during Australia’s dramatic recovery after a tough start. His contributions, particularly with the ball in the match against Pakistan, were pivotal in Australia’s triumph, helping the team secure the World Cup title.
Over the years, Stoinis became a valuable asset in the Australian squad, playing important roles both with the bat and ball. His all-round performances made him one of the most reliable players in the ODI setup.
Stoinis Statement: A Farewell with Gratitude
In a heartfelt statement, Stoinis expressed his immense gratitude for his time representing Australia in ODI cricket. Reflecting on his journey, he said:
“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 also acknowledged that stepping away from the ODI format was a difficult decision but one that felt right for him at this point in his career:
“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.”
This statement clearly highlighted that while his retirement from ODI cricket marks the end of a significant chapter, Stoinis remains committed to playing for Australia in T20Is.
Stoinis’ Impact on Australia’s Champions Trophy Squad
With Stoinis’ sudden retirement, Cricket Australia will now need to find a replacement for him ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This tournament will take place in Pakistan and the UAE, and with Stoinis’ retirement, Australia is facing a few tough decisions. In addition to his departure, the Australian squad has also been hit with injury concerns. Mitch Marsh has already been ruled out of the Champions Trophy, while key pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are both under a cloud due to injuries.
As a result, Australia’s selectors are now looking at potential replacements for Stoinis, and the team could end up making up to four changes to their 15-member squad. Players like Spencer Johnson, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Sean Abbott are being considered as potential options to fill the gap left by Stoinis.
Coach’s Reaction: A Tribute to Stoinis’ Legacy
Andrew McDonald, the head coach of the Australian cricket team, reacted to Stoinis’ retirement with a heartfelt tribute. McDonald, who has worked closely with Stoinis over the years, acknowledged the all-rounder’s significant role in Australia’s ODI setup.
McDonald said:
“Stoin 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.”
This tribute shows the deep respect and admiration McDonald has for Stoinis both as a cricketer and as an individual. Stoinis’ leadership qualities, his work ethic, and his contributions on and off the field have left an indelible mark on the Australian team.
What’s Next for Stoinis?
Although Marcus Stoinis is stepping away from ODI cricket, he will continue to focus on T20 cricket, where he remains available for selection. Stoinis had been playing for the Durban Super Giants in South Africa’s T20 league but was recently sidelined due to a mild hamstring injury while bowling.
Despite this injury, Stoinis’ focus on T20 cricket remains clear. His retirement from ODI cricket may open up more opportunities for him in the shortest format, where his aggressive style of play is often more suited.
Stoinis’ future in T20 leagues around the world will likely continue to be bright, as his ability to both strike hard with the bat and provide crucial overs with the ball makes him a sought-after player in various competitions.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Stoinis
Marcus Stoinis’ retirement from ODI cricket marks the end of a significant chapter in his illustrious career. His decision to retire just months before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was a shocking move, but it highlights his focus on future endeavours in T20 cricket.
While his absence will be felt in the Australian squad, especially in the upcoming tournament, Stoinis’ legacy in ODI cricket is firmly cemented. As he now shifts his attention to the shortest format of the game, cricket fans will be eager to see what comes next in the career of one of Australia’s most dynamic all-rounders.
FAQs
Q1: Why did Marcus Stoinis retire from ODI cricket?
Stoinis decided to retire from ODI cricket to focus on the T20I format, a decision that will allow him to extend his career in shorter-format leagues and tournaments. This move comes ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and Stoinis will continue to play for Australia in T20 cricket.
Q2: How many ODIs did Marcus Stoinis play for Australia?
Stoinis played 71 ODIs for Australia, scoring 1495 runs and taking 48 wickets. He was known for his all-round performances, contributing both with the bat and the ball.
Q3: Who will replace Marcus Stoinis in the Australia squad for the Champions Trophy?
With Stoinis’ retirement, Australia’s selectors are considering replacements such as Spencer Johnson, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Sean Abbott for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Q4: What is next for Stoinis after retiring from ODIs?
Stoinis will continue to play in T20 cricket and remains available for selection in that format. He had been playing for the Durban Super Giants in South Africa’s T20 league before being sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
Muhammad Anas
