Why Marcus Stoinis is Not Playing Today in PAK vs AUS 1st T20I?

The Pakistan Cricket Team are hosting the Australian Cricket Team in the three-match T20I series. The first of the three games between the teams is underway at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday, January 29. Australia surprised many with their playing XI combination for the first PAK vs AUS T20I.

While Mitchell Marsh was rested, Marcus Stoinis’ name not being there in the XI caught the attention of many. With Australia without some of their experienced players in the series, it was expected that Marcus Stoinis would feature in the opening game. But that wasn’t the case, even though the T20 World Cup 2026 is around the corner.

Revealed - Why Marcus Stoinis is Not Playing Today?

The reason behind Marcus Stoinis not playing the first T20I was due to his injury. The lanky all-rounder, along with Marsh and Josh Inglis, were unavailable for the selection for the match. Stoinis suffered an injury while playing in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26.

He injured his right thumb during the game against Adelaide Strikers, and to not risk him ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, Australia decided to rest him as he is counted among the best all-rounders in the world. Marcus Stoinis injury isn’t that serious as he is expected to be fit for the remaining two games of the series.

Matt Renshaw Comes as Marcus Stoinis Replacement: PAK vs AUS 1st T20I

In place of Marcus Stoinis, Australia handed the debut cap to Matt Renshaw in the first PAK vs AUS T20I. The batter has featured for the side in the ODIs and Tests earlier, and now it will be a great opportunity for him to seal his place in the T20Is. He is likely to get only this game in the series, especially with Stoinis expected to make a comeback in the next game. He would want to do something extraordinary in the game and force the management to retain him in the team for the clash.
Australia (Playing XI): Travis Head(c), Matthew Short, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe(w), Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman

Pakistan (Playing XI): Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha(c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan(w), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed