India vs Australia: Marcus Stoinis doubtful starter for Delhi decider

He almost became a hero in the second ODI against India in Nagpur on March 2 by scoring a 52 that saw Australia coming very close to victory. However, a remarkable turnaround by the Indian bowlers in the death overs saw Marcus Stoinis’ effort going in vain as the hosts won the match by eight runs.

The right-hander scored a crucial 31 not out in Ranchi where Australia won by 32 runs but failed to be a part of the memorable 4-wicket win in the fourth ODI in Mohali on Sunday owing to a broken thumb. Stoinis failed to pass the fitness test prior to the Mohali clash and it is unlikely that he would recover to play the final match in Delhi on March 13. It will be the decider as both the teams have won two games each at the moment.

Australia made a brilliant comeback in the series after losing the first two games and successfully chased a massive target of 359 with four wickets and 13 balls to spare. Peter Handscomb (117), Usman Khawaja (91) and Ashton Turner (84 not out) were the chief architects of one of the Kangaroos’ most famous victories in ODIs.

Stoinis, the 29-year-old Western Australian batsman, sustained the fracture while fielding in the match in Ranchi and that made way for Turner to return to the side after the first game in Hyderabad which was also his debut match. With the Perth Scorchers star having made an emphatic statement with his match-winning 43-ball 84 not out, Stoinis’ position could be under some cloud.

With just one series left after this (against Pakistan) before Australia play their first match at the World Cup against Afghanistan, Stoinis’ injury could be critical and opened the door for Turner.

‘Wait and watch’

Speaking on Stoinis’ injury, Handscomb was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au: “He’ll look to play at some stage but it’s just pain management with him. When it’s your bottom-hand thumb it makes it hard to hold the bat. We’ve just got to wait and see with him.” Captain Aaron Finch also praised Stoinis calling him ‘flexible’ and a ‘great asset to any team’ around whom others can play.

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