Chief selector George Bailey insists the door is not shut on Marcus Stoinis’ one-day career, despite axing the allrounder from Australia’s squad to take on West Indies.
Stoinis was the most notable absentee from Australia’s 13-man squad for next month’s ODI series on Wednesday, with Ashton Agar and Alex Carey also left out.
Australia will rest their three frontline quicks and Mitch Marsh for the home series, with Steve Smith to captain and Travis Head to act as his deputy.
Tearaway quick Lance Morris has been included and is set to make his long-awaited international debut, while Aaron Hardie is in the squad.
Matt Short, Jhye Richardson and Nathan Ellis also feature, ahead of games in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra on February 2, 4 and 6.
But the news is not good for Stoinis, who has long been a fixture of white-ball sides.
The 34-year-old played six games in Australia’s World Cup triumph, before being squeezed out for the finals when selectors opted for a batter-strong side.
Bailey confirmed selectors had taken an eye to the 2025 Champions Trophy with the squad, but insisted that did not mean time was up for Stoinis.
“By no means is that a line through his name,” Bailey said.
“We know what he can do at his best. How important he can be with both bat and ball in one-day cricket. The door is certainly not closed for him.
“It’s a great opportunity for a number of those guys who have started their one-day career.
“They can further cement their place and put their hand up to be a part of that Champions Trophy squad, which is probably the next real focus.”
Bailey also explained the non-selection of Agar as the lack of need for a second spinner behind Adam Zampa in the smaller 13-man squad.
Similarly, there is no second wicketkeeper, prompting Carey’s absence after he was dropped following the first game of the World Cup.
Australia will also play three T20s against West Indies on February 9, 11 and 13, with a squad for those matches yet to be named.
Steve Smith (capt), Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matt Short, Adam Zampa.
© AAP
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