'Maybe a little bit more of a heads up?' - Aaron Finch lashes out at Marcus Stoinis after sudden ODI retirement

Aaron Finch wasn't too impressed by Marcus Stoinis' sudden decision to retire from the ODI format after he was initially named in Australia's squad for the forthcoming Champions Trophy 2025. The former Australia captain said that Stoinis should have informed the team management beforehand about his decision to step away from the 50-over format.

Stoinis' call to draw the curtains down on an illustrious ODI career days before the Champions Trophy meant that Australia had to look for a replacement at short notice. With the likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh missing out due to injuries, Stoinis' absence further weakens the Aussie lineup.

"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," said Finch.

Finch also opined that the busy cricket calendar may have been the reason behind Stoinis deciding to end his ODI career. Stoinis was part of the Australia squad for the white-ball series against Pakistan before featuring in the Big Bash League and then in the SA20.

"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," Finch added.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Mitchell Starc withdraws, Steve Smith to lead Australia

Australia are placed in Group B in the Champions Trophy 2025. England, Afghanistan, and South Africa are the other teams in the group. Australia begin their campaign on February 22 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore against England.