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Cricket

Maxwell: Stoinis Form 'Scary' Ahead of Upcoming England Series

Australian cricketer Marcus Stoinis plays a shot during the first one day international (ODI) cricket match between India and Australia at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad
Australian cricketer Marcus Stoinis plays a shot during the first one day international (ODI) cricket match between India and Australia at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad

Australia’s middle-order pair Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis sent an ominous warning to England ahead of the upcoming white ball series after dominating Sunday’s intra-squad...

England and Australia will meet in a three-game T20 International series starting on Friday, followed by three One-Day Internationals.

Australia warmed up inside their bio-secure bubble with a 50-over match on Sunday which was dominated by Maxwell and Stoinis.

Chasing the Finch XI’s 249, Maxwell plundered 108 from 114 deliveries and Stoinis blasted 87 from 71 balls as they chased down the target with 51 balls to spare after being 2-9 early.

“It’s a long time since I’ve had a centre wicket or any time in the middle,” Maxwell said.

“To make the most of that early in the tour is a nice way to start.

“That’s my third hit on turf in the last seven months. Since the BBL final I haven’t had a hit against any bowlers.

“It’s nice to get out there. It took me some time to get used to the wicket but after that it was nice to get some rhythm.”

Maxwell and Stoinis were both key parts of the Melbourne Stars side which reached last seasons Big Bash League final and loom large as T20 X-factors in the upcoming series.

Speaking about Stoinis, Maxwell said: “It’s a scary sign for Australian cricket when he’s up and firing and hitting the ball as hard as he does.

“He batted beautifully today and probably deserved three figures.”

Stoinis also took 4-31 from seven overs with the ball, albeit all lower-order wickets.

Nathan Lyon was another to impress, taking 3-47 from 9.3 overs, including the wicket of Maxwell.

The Aussies will play another intra-squad T20 on Tuesday in Derby before travelling to Southampton for Friday’s competitive opener.