Marcus Stoinis set to miss New Zealand tour due to back issue

In a setback for Australia's T20I campaign in New Zealand, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has been sidelined due to a back issue, while Aaron Hardie has been called in as his replacement. Stoinis, who recently experienced discomfort during the warm-up of the second T20I against West Indies, battled through the pain to contribute with bat and ball. However, the injury persisted, forcing him to miss the third match against West Indies and now the upcoming series against New Zealand.

His absence leaves a void in the Australian squad ahead of their last series before the T20 World Cup in June. Despite his recent injury struggles, he has been a pivotal player for Australia, notably during their successful T20 World Cup campaign in 2021. His ability to deliver crucial performances with both bat and ball has made him a valuable asset in the team's setup.

In the Australia all-rounder’s absence, Aaron Hardie, who is currently representing Western Australia in a Sheffield Shield match, has been drafted into the squad. Hardie's inclusion adds depth to Australia's all-round options and presents an opportunity for him to showcase his skills on the international stage.

Meanwhile, Australia vice-captain and wicketkeeper Matthew Wade will miss the opening game of the series due to the imminent birth of his third child. However, Wade is expected to join the squad for the remaining matches in Auckland, providing a boost to the team's lineup.

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Stoinis to regain fitness ahead of IPL 2024

Stoinis' injury woes have been a cause for concern, with Australia managing his workload carefully to prevent further setbacks. Despite his talent and contributions to the team, recurring soft tissue injuries have limited his availability in crucial matches, including the ODI World Cup last year. Looking ahead, Stoinis is expected to regain fitness in time for the upcoming IPL season, which commences in late March. His participation in the IPL will provide him with valuable game time and preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year.

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