NEW DELHI: Big-hitting all-rounder Marcus Stoinis on Tuesday admitted he knew about his exclusion from Cricket Australia's contract list for the upcoming 2024-25 season in advance but said he's determined to represent his country in the T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in June.
Stoinis, along with fellow player Ashton Agar, was not among the 23 players who were awarded contracts by the Australian cricket board last month.
The decision to omit the two players from the list was made public in the recent announcement of the new contracts for the forthcoming season.
"I've got a great relationship with the coach, me not getting a contract, I knew that long ago," Stoinis said after he hit a match-winning unbeaten 124 for Lucknow Super Giants against Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.
"It's great to let the kids come in and get an opportunity, I'm happy to let them take my spot."
Up and coming fast bowler Xavier Bartlett was rewarded with a contract for the first time after playing just one T20 international and two ODI matches for Australia in February.
However Stoinis remains hopeful of going to the West Indies and the United States for T20's showpiece event starting June 1.
"But on the playing front, I'd like to play and contribute," said Stoinis after being named man of the match in his team's six-wicket victory over Chennai.
(With inputs from AFP)
