11 Interesting facts about Marcus Stoinis that you need to know

11 Interesting facts about Marcus Stoinis that you need to know: Cricket Australia announced their squad for the ODI and T20I matches against England. The inclusion of Marcus Peter Stoinis in the squad surprised and shocked almost everyone. But yet those who knew him from the outset knew that he always had the potential to represent the Australian team one day or the other. He will don the baggy green sooner if he gets a chance in the playing XI.

The 25 years old is an all-rounder. So far he has featured in 22 First Class matches and has compiled 1,372 runs at an average of almost 39.20 while with the ball in hand he has grabbed 14 scalps. In 15 List A matches, he has amassed 416 runs at an average of 27. Though, his numbers might not be the best in the block but yet those who have seen him know about his prodigal talent.

Here we list 11 Interesting facts about Marcus Stoinis that you need to know:

1. Born in Perth: Marcus Stoinis was born on 16 August 1989 in Perth, Australia. He is a right-handed batter and right-arm medium fast bowler.

2. Started playing domestic cricket at 19: Marcus Stoinis debuted for his home state Western Australia at the age of 19. He has represented Western Australia at both under-17 and under-19 level. He represented Australian under-19 cricket team at the 2008 ICC Under-19 World Cup. Stoinis made his List A debut for Western Australia in the 2008–09 Ford Ranger Cup, against Queensland.

3. Lost his contract at Warriors: Marcus Stoinis lost his contract in the Warriors side after three below par outings with the side. It was his former Perth club mate Theo Doropoulos who recommended him to try his luck at the Northcote side.

4. Turning point: Marcus Stoinis decided to leave the Western Australia side in domestic cricket after he lost his contract and then opted to play for Northcote. Stoinis hammered as many as four centuries for the Northcote side in 2013/14 and averaged 100.00 for the season. His displays for Northcote side captured the eyes of Victoria selectors. Later, he was drafted in the Victoria side.

5. Struggled with mental approach: The Northcote president Mark Sundberg was quoted saying that, “Really he struggled from a mental approach more than a cricket thing. Now it’s his biggest asset. His focus is phenomenal. It gets back to belief. He just believes there is no one in Premier Cricket who can get him out”. Now, Marcus enjoys a great self-belief in his abilities and has improved in leaps and bounds.

6. High point: Marcus Stoinis didn’t let down the faith of Victorian selectors in him. Stoinis amassed 785 runs at an average of 49.06 for Victoria in 10 matches of Sheffield Shield tournament, last summer. His breakthrough innings of 170 runs came against Tasmania.

7. IPL stint: In this year’s Indian Premiere League (IPL) auction, the Victorian all-rounder was bought by Delhi Daredevils for about $52,000. Though, he didn’t get to play a single match there but in the guidance of Gary Kirsten and Yuvraj Singh he improved his ability against spinners.

8. Six sixes in an over: Last month, Marcus Stoinis was playing for the National Performance squad against National Indigenous Squad. He wrecked havoc in Brisbane when he smashed six sixes in an over against Brendan Smith. But, he couldn’t carve his name in history books as that was a non-sanctioned practice match.

Also Read: Marcus Stoinis hits six sixes in an over playing for NPS in Brisbane

9. Opening with Sanath Jayasuriya: Recently Stoinis partnered the former Sri Lankan skipper Sanath Jayasuriya in a charity match which took place between World XI against Nepal. He proved his mettle with the willow in hand at the Kinrara Academy Oval in Kuala Lumpur as he stroked 48 runs off 29 balls in the T20 match.

10. BBL stint: In Big Bash League (BBL), he represents the Melbourne Stars which also features big names like Kevin Pietersen and Glenn Maxwell. He is contracted with the Stars till the BBL- 07.

11. Icing on the cake: Marcus Stoinis was performing brilliantly in Australian domestic cricket which earned him a call up in the Australian A squad as well. And last month in a four-day game for Australia A against India A in Chennai, firstly he plundered an exemplary knock of 77 runs and then with the cherry in hand he secured figures of 2-18. This performance highlighted his all-round skills and is one of the major reasons behind his selection in the national squad.