Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis was part of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL). He played an integral role as the Super Giants made it to the playoffs.

Since his arrival in India, Stoinis played all the games for LSG. He bowled the final over to Rinku Singh in a high-scoring thriller against Kolkata Knight Riders where he was able to defend three runs off the last two deliveries.

peaking about life and cricket in detail to Cricbuzz, Stoinis said that he wanted to emulate Shane Warne in helping build something from scratch as the legendary leg-spinner did with the Rajasthan Royals.

“For cricket, the things that are exciting me the most are the World Cups coming up. And the IPL with this new franchise. The big reason I wanted to sign for Lucknow was to help build something from scratch. Have a blank canvas to work with, in the company of someone like KL Rahul and Sanjeev to build something that you can look back on in 10-15 years,” Stoinis said.

“No one else gets this opportunity to start at a new franchise apart from – I think back to Warnie and how he started with Rajasthan and what he did there, and how he’s still an integral part of that team and how he helped build that culture. And on a family front, I am looking forward to the next phase of my life, whether it’s setting up myself and my family, getting married,” Marcus Stoinis added. 

Lucknow Super Giants finished third in the points table to make it to the playoffs. However, they lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Eliminator to bow out of the tournament.

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Marcus Stoinis named in Australia’s playing XI for 1st T20I vs Sri Lanka

Aaron Finch and David Warner will be the opening pair. Despite going through a rough patch, Finch has retained his place as captain. Australian selectors have shown trust in him. Warner, on the other hand, will look to continue his great form which he showed in the IPL. Mitchell Marsh will take the No.3 batting position.

Glen Maxwell is expected to bat at No. 4 due to his ability to attack spinners. Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade would perform the role of finishers. Ashton Agar is the main spinner in the playing XI. While the trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Kane Richardson would form the pace department.

The first T20I between Australia and Sri Lanka are slated to take place on June 7 in Colombo.

Playing XI of Australia for first T20I against Sri Lanka: Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Josh Hazlewood