Could Stoinis' Recall for NZ T20Is Propel Him to T20 World Cup?

Melbourne, Sep 2 (NationPress) Marcus Stoinis has received a significant opportunity to bolster his chances for a spot in the upcoming T20 World Cup, having been recalled for Australia's three-match series against New Zealand. Nevertheless, the likelihood of Spencer Johnson stepping in as a direct substitute for Mitchell Starc, who has retired from T20Is, appears to be low.

Previously, Stoinis had an agreement with the selectors to miss the recent T20I matches against West Indies and South Africa to participate in The Hundred. Despite his absence, he remains a strong contender for the World Cup. He returns to a squad that will be without Cameron Green, who is preparing to rejoin full bowling duties after participating in the opening round of the Sheffield Shield.

Additionally, Nathan Ellis, who has become a pivotal member of Australia’s T20I pace attack, will also miss the New Zealand series as he and his wife, Connie, await the arrival of their first child. Although he has a different style than Starc, Ellis has nearly secured his spot for the T20 World Cup following Starc’s retirement.

Chair of selectors George Bailey provided updates on Spencer Johnson, stating, "The latest update for Spencer is that it'll be sometime in the new year that he'll start to come back online again. What that looks like and at what point, I don't think there's anything definitive on that, still hoping that he can have an impact both domestically and potentially internationally towards the back end of the (season)."

Stoinis is likely to vie for a middle-order finishing role in Australia's T20 World Cup squad, with his medium pace offering crucial adaptability, especially since he has been utilized with the new ball in prior matches.

Johnson, considered a potential long-term replacement for Starc in white-ball formats, is also expected to be unavailable. The left-arm quick, who has secured 14 wickets in just eight T20Is, is sidelined due to a back injury sustained during the IPL and will miss the rest of the year. He had initially been named for the West Indies series in July but had to withdraw due to injury.

Meanwhile, Matthew Short makes his return to the national team for the New Zealand series after recovering from a side strain that kept him out of the matches against West Indies and South Africa. Given the competitive batting lineup, this series presents a vital chance for Short to assert his place in the final World Cup squad.

The three T20Is against New Zealand are scheduled over four days - October 1, 3, and 4. Following this, Australia will engage in a five-match T20I series at home against India, marking their last international fixtures before finalizing the World Cup squad. However, the Big Bash League could provide a last-minute opportunity for fringe players to make their case. Prior to the global tournament, Australia is also set to compete in three preparatory matches in Pakistan in early February.