Father on mind of Stoinis

Marcus Stoinis’s late father Chris was in the emerging superstar’s thoughts for every minute of his breathtaking knock which almost got Melbourne Stars out of jail on Wednesday night.

Stoinis, 28, was run out for 99 (51) in the final over as he posted the fourth- highest score in Stars history as the Big Bash powerhouse fell to Brisbane Heat by 15 runs at the Gabba.

Chris Stoinis died after a long battle with blood cancer last month and Marcus yesterday flew home to Perth to spend the weekend with his family.

The Stars play Perth Scorchers at the WACA Ground on Boxing Day.

“I just miss him (dad),” Stoinis (pictured) said.

“It’s weird, that was probably the only thing I was thinking of when I was out there. I’m sure he’s watching somewhere.

“I don’t know what spot I’m in. I’m really just a lot more relaxed than I thought I’d be, but I miss him every single day.”

Stoinis’s innings should rubber-stamp his place in Australia’s ODI squad next month and the powerful player is also inching towards a Baggy Green as the all-rounder Australia still craves.

Stoinis’s ODI selection would leave a hole in the Stars’ middle-order and the green team will play without Kevin Pietersen against the Scorchers, who is likely to be replaced by Rob Quiney.

Pietersen will fly home to England for Christmas and return for the Stars’ home game against the Heat on January 2.

Stoinis became the first player to score a half-century and take three wickets in a BBL game. MORE ONLINE Perry win’s major ICC gong