Stoinis replaces injured Faulkner for Oz

Cricket365
February 6, 2016

Tasmania all-rounder James Faulkner has been ruled out of the Australia tour of New Zealand after injuring his right hamstring in Australia’s loss to New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday.

Faulkner has been replaced in the squad by Victorian Marcus Stoinis, who will be substituted in Victoria’s Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania which is currently taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Cricket Australia’s physio Alex Kountouris said: "James reported increased stiffness in his right hamstring during the first innings tonight and found it difficult running during our batting innings.

"Unfortunately, with the short turnaround between games we do not believe he will recover in time to take any further part in the series. As a result, he will return to Melbourne tomorrow to have scans and start rehabilitation.

"We are hopeful this is only a low grade injury but will know more in the coming days."

Commenting on the decision to call-up Stoinis, National Selector Rod Marsh said: "It’s unfortunate that James has suffered this injury but the situation presents another good opportunity for Marcus Stoinis.

"He is a promising young all-rounder who had a taste of international cricket last winter in England, and hopefully this call-up will continue with his development."

Stoinis has played a single one-day international, having been selected in the Australian squad for the Ashes tour against England and Ireland last year.

The series for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy continues in Wellington this Saturday 6 February, with the third and final ODI taking place at Hamilton on Monday 8 February.