Stoinis should play for Australia in all formats: David Hussey
Former Australia batsman David Hussey believes all-rounder Marcus Stoinis should play for Australia across formats. According to Hussey, Stoinis' versatility makes him an all-format player. Stoinis was named the Player of the Tournament in the recently concluded Big Bash League, having scored 705 runs in 17 innings 54.23. He also racked up the highest individual score of the tournament (147* vs Sydney Sixers, MCG).
Stoinis is an extremely talented cricketer: Hussey
"He's probably one of the best all-rounders in T20 cricket and probably the longer format as well. If I were a selector, I think he'd be playing all three formats for Australia. He's that talented and is a great team man." Hussey said.
Stoinis has been more effective in the ODIs for Australia
In 41 ODIs, Stoinis has scored 1,050 runs at an average of 33.87. He struck his maiden and only century in the format against New Zealand at Auckland. He also has 33 ODI wickets to his name with a best of 3/16. Besides, his record in T20Is doesn't do justice to his talent. In 19 T20Is, he averages 15.11 sans a single fifty.
He was not picked for the South Africa tour
The 41-ODI old Stoinis hasn't been a part of Australian side since World Cup 2019. He was overlooked for Australia's limited-overs tour of South Africa even after a successful BBL season. The 30-year-old was yet again ignored, when star batsman Glenn Maxwell was ruled out of the South Africa tour due to an elbow surgery. Maxwell was replaced by left-hander D'Arcy Short.
Stoinis fares well at the top
The Australian selectors claim that Stoinis is more effective at the top, rather than playing in the middle order. His case gets further bleak with David Warner, Aaron Finch and Steve Smith in the top order. Stoinis has made 13 out of 14 fifty plus scores in his T20s while opening the innings. However, Hussey feels he shouldn't be tagged as an opener.
Stoinis acclimatizes very well: Hussey
"Marcus is so adaptable. He plays in the middle for WA in four-day cricket and one-day cricket. He's batted in the middle order for Stars until he got cattle-prodded up to the top of the order, which he's excelled at," Hussey said.
Jhye Richardson named in ODI Australia's squad
Australia announced their squad for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa. Pacer Jhye Richardson, who dislocated his shoulder ahead of World Cup 2019, was recalled for T20 series against South Africa. He has been slotted in the side for the ODI format as well. Besides, the selectors have also named an unchanged line-up for the New Zealand ODI series at home next month.
Australia's 14-member ODI squad for SA and NZ tour
Aaron Finch (C), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, D'Arcy Short, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa
Australia will take on the hosts in ODI series
The T20I series is presently tied at 1-1. Australia won the series opener by 107 runs, while hosts South Africa sealed a 12-run victory in the second T20I. Cape Town will host the series decider on February 26. The two teams will then lock horns in the three-match ODI series commencing on February 29 before hosting New Zealand for an ODI series.
