It just took some getting used to: Stoinis on Kensington Oval surface

Marcus Stoinis had a dream match against Oman in Australia’s opening encounter of the 2024 T20 World Cup on June 5 (Wednesday). The Australian all-rounder first smoked 67* off 36 deliveries on a slow Kensington Oval surface and then returned back to claim 3/19 in the second innings, leading Australia to a 39-run win.

“I mean it's nice to start the tournament well. It's just one game but it's nice to start it well, it's nice to spend time in the middle. I have been playing a lot recently but I still have had a good two weeks off without a game, so it's nice to start the tournament well,” said Stoinis who was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance.

Stoinis plays the role of a finisher for Australia when it comes to T20Is. However, what he did against Oman was completely different. Australia were 50/3 in 8.3 overs when he walked out to bat. The big man took his time to settle in before flexing his muscles. 

Also read: Marcus Stoinis - Australia's complete performer

Stoinis was on 9 off 14 at one stage before smashing Mehran Khan for four maximums in the space of five deliveries. There was no stopping Stoinis thereafter. In total, the right-handed batter smashed two fours and six maximums on a surface where every batter struggled to get their timing right. 

“It wasn't a shock, I think from watching the games so far, it seems like that's going to be the theme of the tournament. But it's one thing watching it from the side and then another thing to adapt yourself while you're out there. So, it was fine. It just took some getting used to.

“I've played all these roles before. I played the first half of the IPL in that role, played I don't know how many games, six games, seven games at three, so all of it's nice, I think that's one of the luxuries of where I'm at now in my career is I've seen all these sort of situations. Doesn't make it easier to deal with I guess, but you at least have an idea of what you want to do.”

Thanks to his knock, Australia managed to post an above-par total of 164. “I think considering it was our first game of the World Cup and new to the conditions in terms of we haven't been playing here recently, so I think it was about par I guess for considering that sort of stuff - but I would say that as we get through to the tournament and get used to the conditions and talk between ourselves and that sort of thing, then we'll be looking to target more.”

Then in the second innings, the right-arm seamer dismissed Aqib Ilyas, Zeeshan Maqsood and Mehran Khan to help Australia restrict Oman 125/9. “I want to bowl, so I'm happy whenever - I feel I'm a better player when I'm in the game, so hopefully I get a chance to bowl this tournament.”

Australia will now face their arch-rivals England on June 8 and Stoinis feels a bit of extra pace will help batters to score runs freely on the Bridgetown surface. “I mean, maybe the more pace on the ball, maybe the better it will play. I mean, we saw today the bowler that got a few to kick was the guy that was bowling medium pace - me. So, maybe a bit more pace on the ball might skid on.”

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