Instead, he has been channelising all his energy into performing here in the IPL. And, on Tuesday at a crucial stage, the Lucknow Super Giants allrounder was able to show his mettle and pull off the highest-ever IPL chase at Chepauk. His superlative innings of 124 not out off 63 balls (13×4, 6×6) at Chennai Super Kings’ citadel stunned the capacity crowd into silence and put the hosts in a spot of bother in their qualification run.
A promotion to No. 3 slot allowed Stoinis the time to get in and unleash his strokes. Batting up the order is not an unknown territory for the right-hander – he has successfully opened a few times for Melbourne Stars in the BBL. And LSG consultant Adam Voges said the team had that in mind when they asked Stoinis to go up.
“The No. 3 position hasn’t quite worked for us. And, Justin (Langer, the head coach) gave Marcus that opportunity.
He’s performed particularly well at the top of the order for the Melbourne Stars. He has scored some match-winning hundreds batting up the top of the order. So, to give him that opportunity to bat at three, he’s certainly made the most of it,” said Voges.
The 34-year-old Stoinis has proved to be a vital cog in the LSG wheel. “He’s been hitting well the whole tournament, but in this game he looked in the zone,” Voges said.
This innings may well made the Australian selectors sit up and take note. Although the allrounder said that he is “absolutely fine” with his omission from the contract list, he is still eager to play in the T20 World Cup in June.
“I’ve got a great relationship with the (Australia) coach (Andrew McDonald). Me not getting a contract, I knew that a while ago. I think it is great to give younger kids a crack and let them take my spot. But obviously I want to make sure that I’m there,” said Stoinis.