Quantcast

Stoinis released for Big Bash semi-final

Melbourne Stars will regain allrounder Marcus Stoinis for their semi-final against the Perth Scorchers at the WACA

The Melbourne Stars will welcome back Marcus Stoinis for their KFC Big Bash League semi-final after the allrounder was released from Australia’s one-day international squad following their series-clinching win at the SCG.

Cricket Australia confirmed on Sunday that Stoinis will link up with the Stars in Perth for their semi-final against the Scorchers at the WACA Ground on Tuesday.

He will then re-join the national squad for the fifth and final VB ODI against Pakistan on Australia Day.

Quick single: The BBL's home-town disadvantage

Stoinis was brought in to Australia’s ODI squad on Monday following an injury to fellow allrounder Mitch Marsh but hasn’t added to his two international appearances since his most recent call-up.

The Stars have been decimated by international call-ups at the business end of the BBL season. They were without five of their best players for their loss to the Sydney Sixers on Saturday, with Zampa, Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner, Peter Handscomb and Stoinis all in the ODI squad.

Stoinis' crushing cameo seals victory

The absence of Stoinis prompted criticism from Stars import Kevin Pietersen, who was particularly disappointed that the 27-year-old wasn’t released for the crucial fixture.

"I just find it bitterly disappointing that a guy can't play in a fixture for us, which is a big fixture for us, when he's sitting in a hotel room," the former England star said.

"I'm really disappointed. I'm working with him on a personal level to improve his game so that he can benefit Australian cricket, which he could do on Sunday, if we spend more time together, but he's not going to be here."

Quick single: BBL, WBBL finals: dates, times, venues

But Zampa, who along with Stoinis was released for the Stars game last Tuesday against the Heat before linking up with Australia's squad in Perth, said international selection should always come first.

"Obviously the priority is to play for your country," Zampa said in Sydney on Saturday.

"The players are used to it by now. It's happened for the last six BBLs.

"Ever since I've been a kid the one-dayers have always been at the same time of year.

"So I don't know how they're going to fix the scheduling. It's the Australian summer and we need to fit in some Australian cricket."