Big scare for the Melbourne Stars and Australia as Marcus Stoinis hurt his thumb during a crucial Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26) clash against the Adelaide Strikers on Tuesday (January 13) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.
Marcus Stoinis injury sparks T20 World Cup concerns
Marcus Stoinis was looking fine, playing a calm 23 not out from 20 balls and steering Melbourne Stars close to victory. But with just two runs needed to seal the game, a delivery from Jamie Overton struck Stoinis on the right thumb, forcing him to leave the field immediately.
The Australian all-rounder headed straight to the dressing room for assessment, leaving the Melbourne Stars, and selectors anxious about his fitness. This blow came at the worst time, with the Stars aiming for the BBL 2025-26 final and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 around the corner.
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Big blow for Melbourne Stars in BBL 2025-26
The Stars managed to finish the game successfully against the Strikers, but all eyes are now on the extent of Stoinis’ injury and whether he will be fit for the team’s final group match against the Perth Scorchers on January 17 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
The Stars are currently standing on the second spot with 12 points, and now they have to win their final group match against the Perth Scorchers to make it to the Big Bash League 2025-26 final without relying on the result of the rest of the matches.
Stoinis has been in decent form with the bat, scoring over 200 runs and taking 14 wickets in 9 games, and the captain will be hoping to be available for the crucial game in Perth.
How a short ball hurt Marcus Stoinis at MCG
The incident unfolded in the 15th over of the Stars’ chase at the MCG. Jamie Overton bowled a short ball outside off stump. Stoinis moved across to defend it, but the ball bounced a bit and hit the shoulder of his bat. The ball went up in the air and landed near the short third man.
However, Stoinis didn’t get the runs, but while playing the shot, the captain accidentally jammed his right thumb against the bat as the ball hit it. He got hurt when the ball hit his bat and smashed his thumb. He had to leave the field immediately due to pain. Later, David Cartwright took the field, with Tom Curran finishing the game with a boundary against the Strikers.
Concern for the Melbourne Stars on the eve of the #BBL15 Finals.
Marcus Stoinis left the field with just two runs to win in their match at the MCG, after this incident. pic.twitter.com/LSRQlZOhIw
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 13, 2026
Tom Curran’s 4/10 keeps Melbourne Stars’ finals hopes alive
Curran was named Player of the Match for his career-best figures of 4/10 after he helped the Stars to keep their BBL 2025-26 final dreams alive. The England all-rounder hopes Stars will make it to the finals and was happy with his contribution in the crucial six-wicket win over the Strikers.
Tom Curran said at the post-match presentation, “Yeah, absolutely. The table is, well, it’s getting really tight, so we knew tonight was a big game. So, to qualify, that’s the first step now. And yeah, let’s see how the next week goes, and hopefully we can get in that top two because that’s a big advantage. Yeah, I’m very pleased; it’s nice to contribute. And like I said, it was a big game for us. So, one to go, down to Perth. And hopefully get in that top two.”
