It now says on the Cricket Australia website that Marcus Stoinis has been added to the squad.
IMHO probably the smartest pick of the summer behind Handscombe.
Seldom do I post anymore but often read, but when you see a class player, I am prepared to hang my hat out and lay it on the line for any good cricketing banter.
My darling wife called just now and said "Did you hear what Stoinis did ? I said yep, saw he got 3 for... She said well you will be very happy as he just smashed an amazing 140+*"... I went wow, I am going to investigate.. So the first place I go look is good old OCT and started the read of his knock..... WOW, can't wait to watch the highlights later tonight.
My comment above is based sheerly on what Stoinis has done over the last 18 months, not necessarily in the limelight like others. Go back, have a look at his 2016 IPL efforts and then see what he did with the Cricket Australia "A" side against SA "A" team. By no means were these "Steve Smith" like, but enough for a connoisseur of the game to go "mhmm, he is one to watch". Marcus first popped up on my radar in July 2015 when he was playing for the NPS team and he belted 36 off one over.. yep the elusive 6 x 6's ! These were hit on a smallish ground at AB field but none the less was amazing !
Whilst one innings doesn't make a man (even though CA selectors would argue otherwise over the summer), I am excited about the prospect of a batsman that can SWING the ball. Now, I don't know how he went today with the ball, but watching someone genuinely move the ball around is what that fourth seamer/all rounder has missed over the last few summers. Having someone who can do this, AND have some form in India must prick the ears of our selectors for an upcoming tour..... They have gone out on a huge limb this summer with blood that many of us wouldn't have looked twice at.... so give the kid a crack.. .even just take him on tour to bowl in the nets and hone more of his batting, but I believe he looks pretty good for the future of our game...
Throwing it out there.... great to see opportunities coming for those outside of the state with the "Coathanger"
Cheers Damian
P.s. no responsibility taken if I have put the mockers on you Marcus !