Why is Marcus Stoinis not playing ICC World Cup 2023, match 24 against Netherlands?

Former five-time champions Australia will be without the services of Marcus Stoinis for their game against the Netherlands in the ODI World Cup 2023 in Delhi on Wednesday. Aussie captain Pat Cummins said at the toss that Stoinis is having a 'niggly calf' and that is why he has been left out of the playing XI. He has been replaced by the talented Cameron Green. 

Stoinis suffered a hamstring injury just prior to the commencement of the World Cup. He missed the first game against India but returned for Australia's subsequent clash against South Africa. In the three matches played by Stoinis so far in the showpiece event, he has scored just 45 runs at an average of 22.50. With the ball, the 34-year-old picked up two wickets in nine overs.

While a player of the calibre of Stoinis is difficult to replace, Australia are blessed to have almost a like-for-like replacement in Cameron Green. The 24-year-old made his World Cup debut against India but failed to impress. Green would love to grab the opportunity with both hands and showcase his skills on the grand stage.

What did the captains say at the toss?

Cummins won the toss and had no hesitation in opting to bat first. Netherlands captain Scott Edwards, however, said that he would have bowled had he won the toss. So, both captains got what they wanted. It will now depend on who seizes the crucial moments during the game. While Australia made one forced change to their playing XI, the Dutch side opted to stick to the same XI that lost to Sri Lanka last week.

"We will have a bat. Looks like a lovely wicket. The sun is out. Happy with the way we have played the last couple of games. The bridge is still too far for Head. Still would need a few more days. Stoinis has a niggly calf. Cam Green comes in. Looks a good day to score runs," said Cummins.

Scott Edwards said: "We were looking to bowl first. Team is in good place. We have played good cricket but not for long enough. We would want to rectify that. The boys would want to do well. No changes,".

Teams:

Netherlands (Playing XI): Vikramjit Singh, Max O'Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards (WK/C), Sybrand Engelbrecht, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren

Australia (Playing XI): David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins(C), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa