Marcus Stoinis, Australia‘s renowned all-rounder, has sent shockwaves through the cricket world by announcing his immediate retirement from ODI cricket, just ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.
Despite being named in Australia’s preliminary 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy ODI event scheduled to begin later this month in Pakistan and the UAE, he will not feature in the final squad, which is set to be announced on February 12. This decision has left many pondering the timing, as Stoinis was a key cog in Australia’s limited-overs setup, having made his ODI debut in 2015 and representing the nation in 71 matches. His retirement not only marks the end of an era but also signifies a strategic shift in his cricketing career. The announcement comes as a surprise to many, especially with his ongoing commitment to T20 cricket and his current stint for Durban’s Super Giants in the SA20 2025.
3 players who can replace Marcus Stoinis in Australia’s squad for Champions Trophy 2025
1. Sean Abbott – A reliable all-round option
Sean Abbott emerges as a strong contender to replace Stoinis in Australia’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, given his experience and versatility in white-ball cricket. A proven seam-bowling all-rounder, Abbott has played 26 ODIs, taking 29 wickets with an economy of 5.74, while also contributing valuable lower-order runs, including two fifties at a strike rate of 98.59.
His ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs and provide stability with the bat makes him an ideal fit for the middle order. Moreover, Abbott’s effectiveness in death overs with the ball and his aggressive approach with the bat can bring the required balance to the Australian squad. His fielding skills further enhance his credentials, making him a complete package for limited-overs cricket. With prior international experience, Abbott’s adaptability to various conditions will be crucial for Australia in a high-pressure tournament like the Champions Trophy.
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2. Mitchell Owen – A dynamic power-hitter with seam bowling ability
Mitchell Owen, a rising all-rounder, presents an exciting option to fill Stoinis’ role in Australia’s setup for the Champions Trophy 2025. Known for his explosive batting and handy medium-pace bowling, Owen has impressed in franchise cricket, particularly in the Big Bash League (BBL), where he has scored 531 runs at an outstanding strike rate of 184.37, including two centuries.
His ability to clear boundaries with ease makes him a dangerous finisher, capable of shifting momentum in crucial moments. With the ball, he has shown promise, taking wickets at an economy of 9.31, though his ability to bowl in the middle overs adds another dimension to his game. Owen’s versatility allows him to be deployed as a pinch-hitter or a genuine all-rounder, bringing flexibility to Australia’s squad. His recent performances in SA20 and BBL demonstrate his potential, making him a viable replacement for Stoinis in the upcoming tournament.
3. Beau Webster – A tall all-rounder with versatile skills
Beau Webster’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him an intriguing choice to replace Stoinis in Australia’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad. The 6’7″ all-rounder has been a consistent performer in the BBL, where he scored 184 runs in the 2024/25 season at a solid strike rate of 128.67 while also chipping in with crucial breakthroughs with the ball.
His off-pace variations and deceptive bounce make him an effective option, particularly in conditions where seamers might not find much assistance. Webster’s ability to accelerate in the death overs and anchor the innings when required adds depth to Australia’s batting unit. Additionally, his height provides an advantage while bowling, making him a difficult prospect for opposition batters to handle. With his recent performances in BBL showcasing his all-round potential, Webster could be a valuable asset for Australia in a high-stakes tournament like the Champions Trophy.
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