IND v AUS 2019: Marcus Stoinis doubtful for the fifth ODI in Delhi

Stoinis sustained a thumb injury during the third ODI in Ranchi.

Marcus Stoinis | Getty

Having sustained a thumb injury during the third ODI against India in Ranchi, Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis is doubtful for the series decider in Delhi on Wednesday (March 13). With an impressive four-wicket victory in Mohali, Australia levelled the ODI series 2-2.

Interestingly, Stoinis’ replacement Ashton Turner (84 not out) played a gem of an innings to help the visitors chase down the massive target of 359 with 13 balls to spare in the fourth ODI on Sunday (March 10).

Addressing the press conference after the win, centurion Peter Handscomb spoke about Stoinis’ recovery, saying: “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.”

Marcus Stoinis had made noteworthy contributions with the bat in the first three matches. While the swashbuckling all-rounder had scored 37 in the series opener in Hyderabad, he nearly pulled off a victory for Australia in the second ODI with his 52-run knock. Stoinis made 26-ball 31 in the third ODI and helped Australia post a match-winning total of 313 on the board.

“To have someone as flexible as that is a great asset to any team, because then you can build a team around them and they can almost fill any hole you need,” Australia skipper Aaron Finch had said after the third ODI.

“It provides so much of a chop-out for other guys. We've seen that with India, when Hardik Pandya is fit it makes the balance of the team so much better. Same with Ben Stokes for England."

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 11 Mar, 2019

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