Stoinis overcomes injury, likely to play remainder of Australia’s matches

In a big boost for Australia, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has recovered from his side strain and is likely to play a key role in the remainder of their fixtures at the World Cup. Stoinis suffered a side strain bowling against India at the Oval. After the injury, he has missed the next two matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with Mitchell Marsh being called up as his cover.

Stoinis has now trained well for the past couple of days, bowling at full tilt in the nets and is likely to return to the XI when Australia take on Bangladesh at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

Quipped about Stoinis’ fitness, head coach Justin Langer sounded positive speaking to cricket.com.au:

“We’ve been monitoring him. He’s an elite athlete, he’s an elite professional. He’s done everything possible to get himself fit. He wouldn’t give up the opportunity for anything, would he? He’s determined, so it doesn’t surprise me with where he’s at now. It’s a credit to him, it’s a credit to the medical staff that are getting him up. So hopefully he can have a real impact on the tournament.”

The return of Stoinis will add much-needed balance to the Australian lineup. In his absence, Australia have opted to field only four specialist bowlers. Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Finch have completed the quota of the fifth bowler in the side. Stoinis along with his big-hitting down the order will also provide a few crucial overs with the ball.

Langer also confirmed that Nathan Coulter-Nile will also be fit to play the match against Bangladesh:

“He is getting a bit tight in his back. He played three games (in seven days) and I don’t think he has done that for a long time. He’s fit and he’s certainly fit to play the next game.”