Marcus Stoinis: ‘We have a better side than South Africa’
UNMOVED by a record seven straight losses, Marcus Stoinis believes Australia possesses superior talent to the Proteas and believes the current team is on the cusp of something special.
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MARCUS Stoinis says the tragic loss of his father puts Australia’s cricket crisis in true perspective, while maintaining Justin Langer’s side has the firepower to defend the World Cup.
Unmoved by a record seven straight losses, Stoinis believes Australia possesses superior talent to the Proteas who won the series opener by six wickets last Sunday in Perth.
“We have lost quite a few in a row but if I was honest I think we have a better side than South Africa but we are not playing as we would like,” Stoinis told News Corp Australia.
“I am not worried about the record, have full belief in everyone. This could be the start of a great journey where we win the World Cup and there are a few ‘I told you so’s’.
“We have stars. Chris Lynn is probably the best T20 player in the world, Mitch Starc and Pat Cummins. There is no shortage of skill.”
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It is a year next Wednesday since Chris Stoinis was claimed by Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, aged 60.
Stoinis, 29, was in the middle of a Sheffield Shield game against South Australia in Perth when Chris passed. The touching support of Australian teammate Adam Zampa, the Redbacks and cricket community will always be remembered by Stoinis.
“The South Australian team was unbelievably respectful and Zampsy was there. The team wrote a card, wore black arm bands for Dad,” said all-rounder Stoinis.
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The pain of Chris’ demise will never subside but Stoinis doesn’t sweat the small stuff on-field or off, appreciating the privileged life of an elite cricketer.
Australia has endured 17 defeats in 19 games and cultural reviews but Stoinis says he’s learnt to quarantine ‘the white noise’.
“I don’t know if you get stronger. You just change perspective a little bit, what’s really important to you,” said Stoinis, indebted to England legend Kevin Pietersen who mentored him “through a crucial time’ of mourning last November.
“The one year anniversary, Christmas, birthdays are tough and when you are on your own that is when you start thinking. You roll with the punches more often than not.”
Stoinis is an Ambassador for Movember and notes the Cricket Australia family has raised $100,000 in a week.
“Movember focusing on men’s health is very close to my heart after losing Dad,” he said.
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Originally published as Marcus Stoinis: ‘We have a better side than South Africa’
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