The Australia National Cricket Team and Big Bash League (BBL) club Melbourne Stars had received a major shock on Tuesday, January 13, as Marcus Stoinis suffered a painful blow that instantly raised alarms across Australian cricket.
Marcus Stoinis Injury Scare Shakes Melbourne Stars During Crucial BBL Clash
Stoinis was struck on his right thumb by a sharp rising ball from Adelaide Strikers fast bowler Jamie Overton during the Melbourne Stars’ six-wicket win in their crucial BBL 2025-26 clash at the MCG. The impact looked nasty enough to force the 36-year-old all-rounder off the field.
Since the match was already under control and the Melbourne Stars needed only two more runs to seal the win over the Adelaide Strikers, Stoinis walked off as a precaution, but the timing of the injury could not have been worse.
The Melbourne Stars are chasing a long-awaited BBL title, and their captain has been one of the key pillars of the team this season. The star all-rounder has delivered with both bat and ball, apart from taking the Stars to the second spot in the BBL 2025-26 points table.
Australian selectors on alert as injury concerns grow ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2026
The injury also triggered concern beyond the Big Bash League. Stoinis is a key member of Australia’s provisional squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2025.
Any fitness issue at this stage would put Stoinis’ dream to play another T20 World Cup under threat. With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 starting on February 7, fitness has become a big issue for Australian selectors. Several Australian players are already dealing with injuries.
Pat Cummins is struggling with a back problem, Josh Hazlewood is recovering from calf and Achilles issues, and Tim David is trying to get fit in time after a hamstring injury that he sustained during the ongoing BBL season. Because of this, selectors are watching every player very closely.
Marcus Stoinis confident of getting the clean chit
Despite the scare, Stoinis was confident that the injury was not serious and he would be cleared for the Stars’ final group match against the Perth Scorchers on January 17. The skipper also revealed that his decision to retire was only precautionary rather than due to immediate pain.
Read Also: Marcus Stoinis doubtful for T20 World Cup 2026 after massive injury in BBL
Stoinis said after the BBL 2025-26 clash at the MCG: “I think I'll probably be getting a scan, but I reckon it's alright. Initially it feels like nothing, and after about 10 seconds you feel something, and it's probably just not worth the risk at that stage of the game.”
Marcus Stoinis injury update
Fortunately, the Australian star was correct about his injury. On January 14, the Australian cricket team and Melbourne Stars have received a huge boost as the tension around Stoinis is finally over. His scan reports were normal, as reported by the Australian media.
As reported by SEN, Marcus Stoinis has been cleared and is completely fine to play, ruling out any fitness issues. Stoinis will be back in action when the Melbourne Stars face the Perth Scorchers on Saturday.
There is more good news for the Stars. Joe Clarke is also fit and available for the match, strengthening the batting lineup ahead of the big clash in Perth. Clarke had suffered a hip injury earlier this month and missed a few matches for the Stars.
Big relief, Marcus Stoinis is in the clear after retiring hurt last night with a finger concern.
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) January 14, 2026
The @StarsBBL skipper will face @ScorchersBBL on Saturday.
Joe Clarke will also be available for the match. @1116sen @SEN_Cricket
from Cricket Addictor https://ift.tt/ywYh4XE
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