Marcus Stoinis: “I think it should be completely healed within four weeks”
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has insisted that his fractured thumb will fully heal before the World Cup begins in May.
Stoinis sustained the injury during Australia’s limited overs tour of India earlier this month, but it only led to him missing one game.
However, while he has been playing in the ongoing five-match ODI series against Pakistan, his workload has been carefully managed.
Stoinis only bowled two overs in the first ODI in Sharjah last Friday, where he conceded 14 overs, while he conceded 40 runs from the six overs he bowled in the second ODI in Sharjah on Sunday.
He hasn’t been required to bat in either game as Australia won both matches by eight wickets.
“I’m pretty happy it didn’t keep me out for too long,” Stoinis was quoted as saying by the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) website. “It was uncomfortable for a good couple of days. It’s just something I’m going to keep covered up while fielding. But it’s pulled up pretty well. After each game, it’s been okay. I think I’ll be over it by [the World Cup]. I think it should be completely healed within four weeks.”
Stoinis also admitted that it has been tough being on the road for such a long after as after playing in the Big Bash League (BBL) for the Melbourne Stars, who made it to the final, he travelled to India for a two-match Twenty20 series and five-match ODI series.
He is now competing in the ODI series against Pakistan and will then return to India to represent the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).
After the IPL, he will return to Australia for a training camp in Brisbane and will then head to England to prepare for the World Cup.
“It has been a long time,” he said. “Fortunately, it’s always easier when you’re winning and we’re just making sure on my off days, you’re chilling out.
“I’ll have my family come over to meet me in India, and then again, I’ll probably meet them in Brisbane in the World Cup prep. I might bring a couple of mates over for the World Cup, if I’m there, pending selection.
“For me, it’s about having people around, making sure I’m staying in contact with home. But it is a long stint.”
With Australia holding a 2-0 lead over Pakistan, Stoinis is hoping that his side wrap up the series in the third ODI Wednesday in Abu Dhabi as it will give them a lot of confidence going into the World Cup.
“The group is coming together well leading up to the World Cup,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of reflection to do over the last 12 months – on how we’ve been playing, playing in different conditions and people gaining experience. It’s good to get a bit of reward for hard work.”