Cricket News: Three times Marcus Stoinis proved he is one of Australia's best all-rounders

Having eaten a heavy defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the opening encounter, Australia knew they didn't just need a win against Sri Lanka – they needed a big success. 

However, a poor showing from the top order left them struggling and, at one point, it seemed like Sri Lanka had an outside chance at a win. 

But Stoinis arrived, hit a 17-ball half-century and calmly guided the side home, and improved their net run rate in the process. 

Yet this isn't the first time he's proved his mettle. Here we look at three separate T20I innings when Marcus Stoinis showed his all-around ability for Australia. 

Australia VS India, November 21, 2018

This innings happened nearly four years ago and remained one of Stoinis' best all-around showings for Australia. To make matters all the sweeter, he also delivered Australia the win after starring with both bat and ball in this match. 

He first led Australia to a fighting total when they were batting, as his 19-ball 33* was crucial for them registering a decent but under-par total of 158-4 in Brisbane. But his heroics with the ball cemented this as a day to remember for him. 

India was chasing a rain-revised target of 174 and needed 13 to win in the final, with Stoinis handed the ball. He got rid of Dinesh Karthik and Krunal Pandya as India ended up at 169-7, giving the hosts a 4-run win. 

Australia VS Sri Lanka, June 11, 2022

This knock came in the third T20I against Sri Lanka earlier this year. Australia had won the first two T20Is, meaning the three-match series was wrapped up, and the only thing left to play for was a clean sweep. 

And Australia looked like getting it when they scored a mammoth 176-5 in their 20 overs. Again they had Stoinis' late charge to thank for that; his 23-ball 38 helped them to get past the 170-run mark and, in truth, all but guarantee the victory. 

He bowled well, too, ending with figures with 2-8 in his two overs – and raising questions as to why he wasn't bowled more, given their frontline bowlers were taken to the cleaners. That decision may have caused Australia to lose the match by four wickets. 

Australia VS England, October 12, 2022

This particular inning is not remembered as much, given that Australia lost the match in close fashion. But, looking at how Stoinis performed in isolation showed why he is one of Australia's first-choice players in white-ball cricket. 

He shone with the ball, taking 3-34 in his four overs, and he was one of the better performers on the night. His scalps included bigwigs like Alex Hales, Dawid Malan (who scored 82), and Harry Brook also helped his case. 

With the bat, he made a quickfire 22 off 13 balls but was one of Sam Curran's three victims as Australia lost by eight runs. Nevertheless, the knock solidified his status as one of Australia's go-to men with both bat and ball.