Marcus Stoinis has retired from ODI cricket on the eve of the Champions Trophy tournament

Just three weeks out from the start of the Champions Trophy a snap retirement means Australia will have to make a fourth player change.

Australia’s Champions Trophy squad is in tatters with Marcus Stoinis making the bombshell decision to retire from ODI cricket on the eve of the tournament.

Stoinis joins Mitchell Marsh and most likely captain Pat Cummins and pace ace Josh Hazlewood in withdrawing from the original 15-man squad before Australia begins it’s campaign on February 22 against England in Pakistan.

The 35-year-old all-rounder has pulled the pin on playing for Australia in 50-over cricket to focus on T20 cricket as a highly sought-after player in leagues around the world.

“Playing ODI cricket for Australia has been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for every moment I’ve had in the green and gold,” Stoinis said.

“Representing my country at the highest level is something I’ll always cherish.

“This wasn’t an easy decision, but I believe it’s the right time for me to step away from ODIs and fully focus on the next chapter of my career. I’ve got a fantastic relationship with Ron (Andrew McDonald) and I’ve hugely appreciated his support.

“I’ll be cheering the boys on in Pakistan.”

Marcus Stoinis has retired after playing 74 ODIs for Australia (Photo by R.Satish BABU / AFP)

Stoinis has played just one ODI since being dropped for the semi-final of the 2023 World Cup but was recalled for the Champions Trophy before making the shock decision to retire.

He finished having played 74 ODIs including two World Cups, making a century against NZ in 2017 and was voted the country’s ODI cricketer of the year in 2018-19.

National selectors could now have to add up to four players to the squad and Australian coach Andrew McDonald said Stoinis had been “a pivotal part of our ODI setup for the past decade”.

“Not only has he been an invaluable player but also an incredible person to have in the group,” he said.

“He is a natural leader, an exceptionally popular player and a great person.

“He should be congratulated on his ODI career and all of his achievements.”

On Wednesday, McDonald said Cummins and Hazlewood were unlikely to play as well.

“At the moment Pat Cummins hasn’t been able to resume any type of bowling, so he’s heavily unlikely,” McDonald told SEN.

Selectors will finalise the squad for the Champion’s Trophy following the conclusion of the Test series against Sri Lanka.

Originally published as Marcus Stoinis has retired from ODI cricket on the eve of the Champions Trophy tournament