Marcus Stoinis made sure to send a message to Cricket Australia about the contract snub after scoring a sensational match-winning century for the Lucknow Super Giants against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
At a place where batsmen often struggle due to the slow pitch, Marcus Stoinis played one of the best knocks in IPL history. He single-handedly propelled LSG to a six-wicket victory over the defending champions in their own backyard.
When asked to bat first, CSK posted a massive total of 210/4 in the allotted 20 overs. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad shone with the bat for the hosts, scoring an unbeaten 108 runs off 60 balls. Shivam Dube also played a crucial role for the champions, smashing 66 runs off just 27 balls with the help of three fours and seven sixes.
In response, LSG were reeling at 33 for 2 in the powerplay and looked destined to suffer a defeat. However, Marcus Stoinis, promoted to number three, fought a lonely battle and achieved a miraculous victory for his team. He smashed an unbeaten 124 runs off just 63 balls to take his team to the finish line with three balls remaining.
Marcus Stoinis on contract snub:
After the match-winning knock, Marcus Stoinis made sure to make his stance clear on not getting the Cricket Australia central contract. Last month, the CA announced the central contracts for the 2024-25 season and Marcus Stoinis was notably absent from the 23-player list.
However, the veteran all-rounder has made it clear that he is not disappointed by the snub but remains keen to ply his trade in Australia. It is the first time he has spoken publicly about the snub. After the game, they asked him if he was trying to prove something and he responded:
“I have a great relationship with him [Australia] coach [Andrew McDonald]. I won’t get a contract, I knew that for a while. I think it’s great to give the younger kids a chance and let them take my place. I absolutely agree with that on the contract list.
“But on the playing front, obviously I want to make sure I’m there and that’s also why it’s so fortunate for us and for me in particular to have this competition.” [the IPL]”That’s why I love it so much,” he added.