Big scare for Melbourne Stars and Australia as Marcus Stoinis suffered a thumb injury during a crucial Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26) match against Adelaide Strikers on Tuesday (January 13) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.
Marcus Stoinis’ injury has raised concerns about the T20 World Cup.
Marcus Stoinis looked good, playing a calm innings of 23 not out from 20 balls to take Melbourne Stars closer to victory. But when only two runs were needed to win the game, a ball from Jamie Overton hit Stoinis on his right thumb, forcing him to leave the field immediately.
The Australian all-rounder went straight to the dressing room for assessment, leaving the Melbourne Stars and selectors worried about his fitness. The setback 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 to 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 at the Optus Stadium in Perth on January 17.
The Stars are currently placed second with 12 points, and will now have to win their final group match against Perth Scorchers to make the final of the Big Bash League 2025-26 without relying on the results of the remaining matches.
Stoinis has been in good form with the bat, having scored more than 200 runs and taken 14 wickets in 9 matches and the captain is hopeful that he will be available for the crucial match in Perth.
How a short ball hurt Marcus Stoinis at the MCG
The incident occurred in the 15th over of the Stars’ chase at the MCG. Jamie Overton bowled a short ball outside the off stump. Stoinis moved forward to defend it, but the ball bounced slightly and hit the shoulder of his bat. The ball rose in the air and fell near short third man.
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Although Stoinis did not get runs, the captain’s right thumb accidentally hit the bat while playing the shot. He suffered an injury when the ball hit his bat and broke his thumb. Due to pain he had to leave the field immediately. Later, as David Cartwright took the field, Tom Curran finished the game with a four against the Strikers.
There is cause for concern for the Melbourne Stars on the eve of #bbl15 Final.
After this incident, Marcus Stoinis walked off the field after scoring just two runs in their match at MCG. pic.twitter.com/LSRQlZOhIw
– KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) 13 January 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 as he helped the Stars keep their BBL 2025-26 final dreams alive. The England all-rounder is hopeful that the Stars will reach the final and was happy with his contribution in the crucial six-wicket win over the Strikers.
Tom Curran said in the post-match presentation, “Yes, absolutely. The table is getting very tight, so we knew there was a big game tonight. So, to qualify, that’s the first step now. And yes, let’s see how next week goes, and hopefully we can get into the top two because it’s a big advantage. Yes, I’m very happy; it’s good to contribute. And as I said, it was a big game for us. So, one has to go to Perth. And hopefully reach the top two.”