Marcus Stoinis has divided cricket fans having called for a halt to the game after appearing to injure himself while fielding during the Melbourne Stars’ win over the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash. Stoinis was fielding at cover when Jamie Overton hit a flat shot towards him.
Stoinis dived to his left, but dropped the ball and landed awkwardly on his arm. Stoinis was in clear pain, but Overton had already started the single with the ball out of reach from the fielder. Stoinis was on the ground unable to move, but appeared angry when seeing Overton running to the non-striker’s end.
Marcus Stoinis (pictured left) injured his left arm and told Adelaide Strikers batter Jamie Oveton to stop running in the BBL. (Images: Channel 7)
Stoinis could be seen yelling, ‘Stop’ at the batter. Aussie cricket great Mike Hussey described the situation and claimed Stoinis felt Overton shouldn’t be seeking an extra run.
“I think he was pointing to Overton saying don’t run, you shouldn’t be running because I have injured myself…so he’s saying stop, stop I am injured. I can’t make a play,” he added during commentary.
Stoinis might have been telling Overton to stop taking a second run with the ball stranded between fielders because he could’t get up. The 36-year-old didn’t need to leave the field as he managed to walk off the injury. He even appeared to share a joke with Overton after the incident as any issue was put to bed.
However, Stoinis’ move has certainly raised eyebrows within the cricket community. Some fans suggested Stoinis was just pointing out he was injured after landing awkwardly after the dive It was noted on Channel 7 commentary that Overton was ‘within his right’ to go for the single. While others suggested Overton did not break any ‘unwritten rule’ because it was a misfield and it was part of the game.
One fan commented: “I would have ran two runs. I know it’s an unwritten rule not to run when someone’s hurt, but you can’t command someone to stop.” Another added: “He was halfway across the pitch before he realised Stoinis was hurt.”
Melbourne Stars go top of BBL
Fortunately for the Stars, Stoinis was fine and managed to come out and bat to hit the winning runs with a six. Stoinis launched a six to help the Stars chase down the 156 run target with 11 balls to spare. Sam Harper was the leading run scorer tofr the Stars having scored 55 off 36 balls.
Stoinis finished on 32 off 22 deliveries. The Stars now move equal top of the table having won both their matches with a game in hand.
Marcus Stoinis (pictured left) hit the winning runs to keep the Melbourne Stars undefeated to start the BBL.