ODI World Cup 2023: Injured Marcus Stoinis ‘Touch And Go’ For Australia's WC Opener Against India
Australia's plans for the 2023 ODI World Cup have encountered a diversion due to all-rounder Marcus Stoinis' probable absence from the opening match against India in Chennai on 8 October. Since the first ODI against India in Mohali last month, Stoinis has been dealing with a hamstring ache.
Since then, he has not taken part in any matches, which raises questions on his availability for the pivotal tournament opening. Andrew McDonald, the head coach of Australia, offered his opinions on the matter.
McDonald was reported by Espncricinfo as saying, "Marcus Stoinis has a slight hamstring complaint at this stage, so that's why he missed the practise games, and he'll be touch and go for the first game against India."
Stoinis has been an integral part of Australia's previous white-ball campaigns, even though he has a plenty of fast-bowling options. In the most recent overseas series, he was given the duty of starting the bowling against South Africa. He has bowled 48 deliveries with the new ball during the powerplay phase in his last three ODI appearances.
"He'll go through his training there and we'll see if he's available for selection for game one. We have the big session today and another hit out tomorrow. However, he wasn't well enough or accessible for those practise matches right now," McDonald clarified on Stoinis' state of health.
Given his significant contributions with the bat and the ball, the Australian team management may find themselves in a pickle as a result of the uncertainty surrounding Stoinis. Given his versatility as an all-around player, his absence might necessitate a change in the starting lineup and the team's strategy.
Glenn Maxwell, though, has provided some comfort to the Australian camp. Maxwell was instrumental in a recent warm-up match against Pakistan, contributing eight overs with the ball in addition to a quick 77.
It is evident that Glenn Maxwell was able to handle the demands of the game he played, scoring a big innings in addition to backing up and bowling as many overs as he did. McDonald stressed the significance of Maxwell's performance, saying, "He has pulled up really well."
Cameron Green, who looked promising in the final warm-up match against Pakistan, has been another plus for Australia. McDonald hinted that Green and Stoinis might be included in the same starting lineup.
"We can squeeze them both into one side in a certain way. We've had a fairly clear vision for the three ways we want to play for the past 18 months. Using all of the rounders and maybe two quicks is one of those methods, according to McDonald.
On October 8 in Chennai, Australia will play their first World Cup matchup versus India.