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Regular-article-logo Friday, 19 April 2024

ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Stoinis may return versus Bangladesh, says coach Langer

The all-rounder bowled off a full run-up during training at Trent Bridge

TT Bureau Calcutta Published 18.06.19, 11:03 PM
Marcus Stoinis

Marcus Stoinis Picture by AP

Marcus Stoinis overcame his anxious moments and will remain with the Australian squad.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the all-rounder bowled off a full run-up during training at Trent Bridge in a bid to show he had overcome a low-grade side strain that had ruled him out of the last two matches, against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

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Under the watchful eyes of Australia’s medical staff and bowling coach Adam Griffith, Stoinis was given a net away from the main group. He warmed up with a few deliveries off a shorter run-up before coming off the long one, spearing the ball down at, or near, full pace for a dozen deliveries.

Stoinis then chatted with head coach Justin Langer and joined the main nets, where he bowled briefly before leaving the field. He returned and batted as well.

According to Langer, Stoinis had a “chance” to even play on Thursday against Bangladesh in Nottingham. “It looked like he moved really well while batting, so he has a chance,” Langer was quoted as saying by the Cricket Australia website.

“We have been monitoring him. He is an elite athlete, isn’t he? Elite professional, elite athlete...

“He has done everything possible to get himself fit. He wouldn’t give up the opportunity for anything, would he? He is very determined, so it doesn’t surprise me as to where he’s at now.

“It’s a credit to him. It’s a credit to our medical staff for getting him fit so quickly. Hopefully, he can have a real impact on the tournament,” Langer added.

If Stoinis had failed to bowl, he was likely to be replaced by Mitchell Marsh, who has been on standby to officially join the 15-man squad and was under the impression that he would either play on Thursday or rejoin the Australia A squad in time for its opening tour match, also on Thursday.

Also, one option is to give Stoinis a few more days’ rest and have him in perfect condition for next week’s marquee clash against England at Lord’s.

Earlier, vice-captain Alex Carey too was hopeful that Stoinis could return to the side as early as possible.

“He (Marcus) had a light bowl on Monday and he’ll have a better run around in coming days,” wicketkeeper-batsman Carey said.

“It’s such an important role that he plays and he has done such a great job for Australia over the past 12-18 months as well.”

Australia, however, are still searching for their best starting XI in this World Cup, said Brad Haddin, who’s one of the assistant coaches of the team.

“At the moment, we’re still trying to find that best XI,” Haddin said.

“Marcus has thrown a spanner into everything there with his injury and how important an all-rounder he is,” he added.

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