Marcus Stoinis remains determined to extend his international cricket career despite being dropped from Cricket Australia’s central contracts list. The versatile all-rounder expressed his commitment to continue playing for Australia, indicating his strong desire to be part of the squad for the World Cup in the West Indies and the United States.
Stoinis showcased his exceptional batting prowess during the IPL 2024 match for the Lucknow Super Giants, delivering a stunning performance with an unbeaten century on Tuesday against Chennai Super Kings. The 34-year-old Stoinis hammered an impressive 124 runs off just 63 deliveries, guiding LSG to a crucial six-wicket victory that propelled them into the top four of the points table.
During the post-match presentation, Stoinis, the player of the match, downplayed his performance as a ‘statement’ knock, emphasising his focus on contributing consistently to his team’s success. He also highlighted his positive relationship with Australia’s coach, Andrew McDonald.
Looking beyond the contract snub, Stoinis’ determination to extend his international career past the T20 World Cup remains strong. He believes his skills and experience make him a valuable asset for Australia’s upcoming tour of the West Indies and the United States for the marquee tournament. The 34-year-old maintains open communication with coach Andrew McDonald and selector George Bailey, discussing his potential role in future plans for major tournaments like the Champions Trophy, the next T20 World Cup, and the ODI World Cup.
Stoinis was promoted to number three after LSG lost Quinton de Kock in the first over against CSK, allowing the Australian to pace his innings. He remained unbeaten on 124, hitting six sixes and 13 fours in his knock, guiding his team to a comfortable victory.
Stoinis’ performance in the IPL has reignited his hopes of extending his international career, and he is eager to prove his worth to the Australian selectors. With his all-round skills and experience, Stoinis remains a valuable asset for Australia, and his determination to continue playing at the highest level is a testament to his unwavering passion for the game.
