Updated 12 February 2025 at 17:21 IST
'There Would Have Been Planning': Aaron Finch Questions Marcus Stoinis' Sudden ODI Retirement Prior To Champions Trophy
Aaron Finch criticizes all-rounder Marcus Stoinis' timing to announce his retirement as the ex-skipper believes he could have conveyed it to them beforehand.
Former Australia skipper Aaron Finch criticised Marcus Stoinis' sudden retirement from the ODI format as he believes that the all-rounder could have informed Cricket Australia and the team management much beforehand. Finch also spoke about what prompted Stoinis to call time in his ODI career, citing the time he has to be on the road for the team as the prime reason.
Aaron Finch Slams Marcus Stoinis Over Sudden Retirement Call
Cricket Australia is in a haywire as some of its star players are unavailable for the ICC Champions Trophy. One of the biggest jolts was when all-rounder Marcus Stoinis called time from the ODI format. Stoinis was named in the provisional squad, but the shock announcement shook up the Australian Cricket Board's initial strategy in CT 2025. Aaron Finch was upset with the all-rounder's sudden call.
"When you've had the faith put in you by the selection, the coach and the captain - maybe a little bit more of a heads up? Saying, 'You know, this is what I am thinking.' I would be surprised if it was an off the cuff decision as well, I am sure there would have been planning down the track, there would have been conversations between Andrew McDonald and Marcus Stoinis to try to get to the decision.
At the end of the day, each player has the opportunity to decide what their fate is going forward. For me, if you look at Marcus Stoinis for the last couple of years, he's preferred to play the T20 route. Being in Pakistan , then straight to India after a summer of cricket at home, that can potentially be four-five months on the road, so maybe that contributed to the decision," Aaron Finch said while speaking to ESPN Australia's 'Around The Wicket' Podcast.
CA Lose Another Key Player Ahead Of Champions Trophy 2025
Trouble continues to mount on Australia as one of their premier pacers, Mitchell Starc, has opted out of the Champions Trophy tournament. CA's Chair of Men's Selectors George Bailey made the decision public. The veteran pacer has been having some discomfort in his ankle in the Sri Lanka tour, and he is yet to comment on his decision to opt out from the team. They have already lost Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh due to injuries and Marcus Stoinis over retirement.
The Champions Trophy will kick-start on 19th February, with Pakistan and New Zealand locking horns in the ICC tournament opener. Australia start their campaign on February 22, 2025 against England In Lahore.
Published By : Pavitra Shome
Published On: 12 February 2025 at 16:01 IST