THE INCREDIBLE AUSSIE HULK
AT A time when Australian cricket is being challenged for what it stands for, Marcus Stoinis has a very clear vision of what his priorities are.
This time last summer, the hulking all-rounder had been secretly pencilled in for a Test debut against England.
But on the eve of the Ashes, the rising star made a brave and selfless decision to take time away from the game, at a most critical time in his career, to be by his father’s deathbed as he battled terminal cancer.
As he arrives in Sydney ahead of Sunday night’s Twenty20 blockbuster against good friend Virat Kohli and India, at a sold-out SCG, Test cricket remains the Holy Grail Stoinis is still yet to attain.
But the 29-year-old wouldn’t change a thing about passing up a baggy green for the love of his dad, Chris.
“Looking back on it, one thing that’s just a non-negotiable for me is sticking to my values and for me family is No.1 and always will be,” said Stoinis, who has helped Cricket Australia raise $202,000 and counting in his father’s memory for men’s health charity, Movember.
“It was a reasonably easy decision to make, even though there was a lot of emotion going on.
“It’s nice to reflect and to know that I was there with my dad as much as possible during those times.”
Now in a side struggling with its identity post Cape Town, Stoinis has brought life back to Australian cricket, and been nicknamed the “Hulk” by Shane Warne for his fervent wicket-taking celebrations.
So competitive was Stoinis as a young kid in Perth, he once challenged childhood friend and Formula One champion Daniel Ricciardo to a 10-set tennis match.
Stoinis’ parents got called into school meetings to face teachers desperate to “calm him down”.
Losing his father 12 months ago has changed Stoinis as a person, but his desire to achieve his ultimate dream of playing Test cricket has never burned stronger.
“That’s just where I want to be,” said Stoinis, already a key part of Australia’s World Cup plans next year.
“I want to play Test cricket … I’m just hoping I get my chance.”
Teammates have long ribbed Stoinis for being the “Greek Adonis”, but the West Australian says the teasing about his physique has given way to jealousy now that fitness fanatic Justin Langer has taken over as coach and set the bar high.
“The boys stir me a little bit but it’s actually gone the other way now,” he said.
“They’re all like, ‘Stoiny, what’s your gym program, mate? How much did you run? What are you eating? I’ll have what Stoiny’s having. Oh, you’re not having rice today?’”