Stoinis is chosen for T20 matches against New Zealand, returning for the T20 World Cup
Stoinis is chosen for T20 matches against New Zealand, returning for the T20 World Cup
Australia’s Star all-rounder Marcus Stoinis is back in Australia’s T20I team after more than 10 months for the three-match away T20I series against New Zealand next month.
Marcus Stoinis has been picked in Australia’s 14-player squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. His return, along with Mitch Owen, Matthew Short, and Xavier Bartlett, boosts his chances of making the squad for next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
The squad includes: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa.
Stoinis, now 36, hasn’t had a central or state contract in the past year. He last played for Australia in November 2024 and retired from ODIs earlier this year. Despite that, he’s stayed active in T20 leagues around the world, playing key roles for Punjab Kings in the IPL and Trent Rockets in The Hundred both teams reached the finals.
To earn a spot in the World Cup squad, Stoinis will have to compete with other all-rounders like Cameron Green, Tim David, and Mitch Owen. Green won’t be part of the New Zealand series as he’s focusing on Sheffield Shield cricket to prepare for the Ashes. Owen is back after missing games against South Africa due to a concussion.
Matthew Short has recovered from a side strain he suffered during training in Jamaica before the West Indies series. Alex Carey and Aaron Hardie have been left out after filling in as injury replacements. Nathan Ellis will also miss the tour as he’s on paternity leave.
Australia will be without Mitchell Starc, who recently retired from T20Is, and Pat Cummins, who is recovering from a back injury. Cummins is working to be fit in time for the Ashes.
The three T20 matches will be played in Mount Maunganui on October 1, 3, and 4