With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 just round the corner, Australia have been hit with a massive setback. Aussie all-rounder Marcus Stoinis on Tuesday, January 13 suffered a blow to his right hand while batting for his Big Bash League (BBL) franchise, Melbourne Stars during their match against Adelaide Strikers at the MCG in Melbourne.
Coming out to bat after Blake Macdonald’s wicket in Stars’ 84-run chase in match 34 of the ongoing BBL Season 15, Stoinis left the field after getting hit on his right thumb in the 15th over of the innings, scoring 23 off 20 deliveries. While the side needed only two more runs from thereon, Tom Curran finished it in style with a four off Liam Scott delivery, taking the Melbourne Stars over the line.
Australia to sweat on Marcus Stoinis’ fitness ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
The injury not only comes at a time when the stars are aiming at the BBL 2025-26 final, but also with the T20 World Cup in just a few days’ time. Although the team would be hoping for positive news from the Melbourne Stars camp on Stoinis, it comes after earlier Tim David sustained a blow in the ongoing BBL 2025-26.
It is to be noted that the 36-year-old has been exceptional for Australia in the white-ball format. However, he announced retirement from ODIs last year, but known for his hard-hitting, the batting all-rounder will be pivotal in the upcoming tournament. Taking a look at his T20I batting stats, he has amassed 1338 runs in 82 matches at a strike rate of 147.51. He has also picked up 49 wickets in 54 innings.
Australia’s provisional squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:
Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
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