I'll probably bowl in the next game India: Stoinis

Marcus Stoinis will be available to bowl in Australia’s next warm-up game against India on Wednesday (October 20). The Australian allrounder did feature in the first warm-up encounter against New Zealand on Monday but didn’t bowl a single over. 

The 32-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during his first game of the second half of the Indian Premier League 2021 and missed the majority of the season. The Delhi Capitals player made his return in the second Qualifier against Kolkata Knight Riders but played only as a pure batter. 

“My hammy is good. I didn't bowl tonight but it's tracking pretty well. It feels like it's on the right track and it's ready to go. I guess I'll probably bowl in that next game,” he said.

Australia would need Stoinis’ bowling considering they generally go with only four frontline bowlers, something that they did against New Zealand as well. Australia also have Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell in their top-six who can chip in if and when needed.

Stoinis scored 28 off 23 deliveries against the Black Caps and looked in decent touch. Chasing 159, Australia were reduced to 115/6 but Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc and Josh Inglis got them over the line with a delivery to spare. 

“I think it's a good start. We obviously haven't played together for a while so that was nice to firstly get a win but two, to try a few new things and give a few people a crack.

"I felt alright. It was nice to spend some time in the middle. I've spent a lot of time in the nets lately, so it was nice to get in the middle and just build a little partnership and do what is required for the team.

"I think the way we were scoring was fine. I think ideally, we wouldn't have lost those three wickets for not many, but I think the scoring rate was fine. We had it in control. Ash and Starcy got it over at the end, and Ingo actually."