Australian batting all-rounder –Marcus Stoinis made a sizzling comeback into the International arena when he was recalled after 14 months gape for the Chappell-Hadlee series against New Zealand.
In his first return game for Australia last year, the right-hander hammered a masterful 146 off 117 balls while batting at No.7 in the first One Day International of the three-match series against New Zealand at famous Eden Park. Though, his ton did not prevent Australia from losing the game by 6 runs.
The 28-year-old has fond memories at Eden Park –received a standing ovation from spectators at New Zealand's largest stadium for his mind-blowing knock against the home team back in 30 January 2017.
Now, Stoinis returns to the same ground when Australia will face the hosts New Zealand in the Twenty20 International tri-series on Friday (February 16). Relishing his return to Eden Park, Stoinis is very excited for the game as well as thanked the crowd for their support last year.
As per Cricbuzz, Marcus Stoinis told reporters in Auckland, “I've heard it's pretty rare (the standing ovation). Our coach apparently got hit by a fish one time off the boundary. That was amazing for me and very respectful from the crowd. I found out later how rare that it is so a very special moment for me.”
He also said that his knock in Eden Park changed his international career, and since then he has established himself as a key member of Australia's limited overs scheme. Marcus added, “My career pretty much started here so I'm excited to be back. To come back after 18 months and do well and help the team out, it was just a 'thank God' sort of thing.”
However, Australians have already booked their spot for the final of the Tri-series, featuring England as well. but Marcus Stoinis believes that they have to continue playing a fearless brand of cricket to beat the hosts at their own backyard, as they have now returned to their form after beating England yesterday.
Stoinis signed off by saying, “They are back in form and we know how good they are, so we will be watching out. It will be different playing them in New Zealand than in Australia because of the conditions and their supporters. We know the balance of their side is pretty good. We want to continue playing a fearless brand of cricket and now we can just continue to do that.”
