"It hurt a lot" - Marcus Stoinis expresses frustration over his exclusion in ODI World Cup 2023 final
Updated - 19 Jun 2024, 04:46 PM
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Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has expressed deep disappointment over not playing in the 2023 World Cup final against India. Marcus Stoinis stated that it hurt a lot, but coach Andrew McDonald's straightforward communication regarding his place in the playing XI for the final helped him cope with the situation.
Australia defeated India by six wickets in the summit clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19. The Pat Cummins-led team secured their sixth title in ODI World Cups. Opener Travis Head received "Player of the Match" for his impressive century in the final match of the ICC tournament.
Australia opted to include an extra batter, Marnus Labuschagne, instead of Marcus Stoinis. Labuschagne played a crucial role, remaining unbeaten on 58 runs. Labuschagne rescued the team from a challenging situation at 47/3 in 24.1 overs. He formed a match-winning partnership of 192 runs with Travis Head.
It Was Between Me And Marcus Labuschagne - Marcus Stoinis
On The Unplayable Podcast, Marcus Stoinis stated that the decision to include Marnus Labuschagne was based on the pitch conditions. Stoinis admitted that it was a tough blow for him, but he appreciated Andrew McDonald's straightforwardness in the decision-making process.
"Obviously it was between me and Marnus depending on the type of wicket that was going to be produced. To be honest, it hurt a lot. My relationship with 'Ron' being so strong – I've known him for a long time, and he's been so good to me – but it was easier coming from him. He's always super honest with me, I'm always super honest with him," Stoinis said.
Marcus Stoinis did not have the best form leading up to the final in last year's ODI World Cup. The right-handed batter scored 87 runs in six matches at an average of 21.75, with a best score of 35 runs. The all-rounder took four wickets at an average of 35.75 and had a disappointing economy rate of 7.53.
It Didn't Look Great At All - Marcus Stoinis
The 34-year-old cricketer stated that the pitch didn't look good initially for the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Stoinis expressed disappointment that such an important match didn't have a better-quality pitch but clarified that his frustration wasn't directed at the coaches or anyone specific.
"We all saw the wicket before (the game) and it looked shocking. It played OK, but it didn't look great at all. So that did frustrate me, in that you would love to rock up to the World Cup with a belting wicket. That frustrated me – but that also means I'm not frustrated at the coaches or anything like that," Stoinis explained.
Travis Head was awarded Player of the Match in the final for his outstanding innings of 137 runs off 120 deliveries. The left-handed batter smashed 15 boundaries and four sixes. Australia chased down the 241-run target with six wickets and seven overs to spare.
