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Australia were dealt a worrying blow on Tuesday ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after ace all-rounder Marcus Stoinis was forced to retire hurt during the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 fixture.
Stoinis, 36, is part of Australia’s 15-member provisional squad for the forthcoming mega event and is currently leading the Melbourne Stars in the BBL.
The right-hander came out to bat with the Stars struggling at 43-3 in 8.3 overs while chasing a modest 84-run target.
The skipper made 23 of 20 balls with the help of a six and a boundary before a short of a good length ball from Jamie Overton hit his thumb during the 14th over of the game, with Stars requiring just two runs to win.
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After the blow, Stoinis immediately removed the glove and signalled for the physio. He eventually left the field and later provided an update on his injury during the post-match presentation, noting that a scan was needed.
“I think I’ll probably be getting the scan, but I think it’s okay,” he said.
“Just sort of precautionary at the end, when you’re right near the end of an innings, I think. Initially, it feels like nothing, and then after about 10 seconds, you feel something.
And it’s probably just not worth the risk at that stage of the game, I guess. And to be honest, their boys were really good. Lynny [Chris Lynn] and Shorty [Matt Short] came up and said, mate, get off. You’ve got two runs to go, so get off. So right decision in the end,” Stoinis concluded.
Provisional Australian squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
READ: Curran’s four-fer routs Hasan Ali’s Strikers out of BBL 15
