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Weight of runs provides answer for Stoinis

3 minute read

Marcus Stoinis has reclaimed his spot in the Australia's extended white-ball squad but still faces an uncertain summer as one of the country's fringe players.

MARCUS STOINIS of Australia.
MARCUS STOINIS of Australia. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

Marcus Stoinis admits he didn't know how long he'd have to wait for an Australian recall after spending more than a year out of the national set-up.

Stoinis is back in Australia's squad for the limited-overs tour of England, fighting for a spot in Australia's top or middle order.

But it took a heap of runs to put him back in the mix.

Axed after averaging 14.50 and battling a side strain that limited his bowling through last year's World Cup, Stoinis was overlooked time and time again through the summer.

He was the Big Bash League's leading run scorer with 705 runs at 54.23 for the Melbourne Stars, changing his game slightly by moving around early at the crease.

But he missed out on selection for white-ball series against India, South Africa and New Zealand.

"It can be frustrating," Stoinis said.

"You go through phases. We're so busy as cricketers, we're in game mode so often.

"But it can be frustrating when you feel like you're results on the board and you don't get rewarded.

"But in the same breath there's probably five, six, seven players who feel the same way. So you don't get too carried away with it, you just keep doing your thing.

"I didn't know how long it would take to get back in the (squad). It's a nice reward to be back."

Stoinis knew runs were the most valuable commodity, but the COVID-19 shutdown has worked in his favour as he gave his body a chance to rest.

He is now back to full fitness after shedding any niggles, while the postponement of the Twenty20 World Cup could also give him time to fight back into the team.

He also helped his chances of playing in the upcoming three-match T20 and ODI series against England starting Friday, with an unbeaten 21 from 17 balls when opening in the first intra-squad match.

Meanwhile if the past year spelled uncertainty for Stoinis, the next 12 months could be even more up in the air.

He is well aware he could likely be a fringe player in different national bubbles, potentially limiting his chances in domestic cricket depending on how the biosecurity set ups operate.

"It's something that crosses your mind and you probably do spend a bit of time thinking about," Stoinis said.

"And what you will put in place to help you keep sane and hungry and prepared. It could be difficult.

"But you make a plan for yourself and make a plan with coaching staff, I think everyone will be in a similar boat.

"It's something we have spoke about as a group, but nothing has been put in place.

"The schedule is so up in the air. How the bubble is going to work is up in the air."

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