Big scare for Melbourne Stars and Australia as Marcus Stoinis injured his thumb during a crucial Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26) clash against Adelaide Strikers on Tuesday (January 13) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.
Marcus Stoinis injury sparks concerns over T20 World Cup
Marcus Stoinis looked good, bowling a calm 23 without coming out of 20 balls and guiding the Melbourne Stars close to victory. But with just two runs needed to seal the match, a Jamie Overton delivery hit Stoinis on the right thumb, forcing him off the field immediately.
The Australian all-rounder headed straight to the dressing room for an assessment, leaving the Melbourne Stars and selectors concerned about his fitness. This blow came at the worst time, with the Stars eyeing the 2025-26 BBL final and the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup just around the corner.
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Big blow for the Melbourne Stars in BBL 2025-26
The Stars managed to finish the match 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 Optus Stadium in Perth.
The Stars currently sit second with 12 points, and they now need to win their final group match against the Perth Scorchers to qualify for the 2025-26 Big Bash League Finals without relying on the outcome of the rest of the matches.
Stoinis has been in good form with the bat, scoring over 200 runs and taking 14 wickets in 9 matches, and the captain will be hoping to be available for the crucial match in Perth.
How a short ball injured Marcus Stoinis at the MCG
The incident took place during the Stars’ 15th chase at the MCG. Jamie Overton bowled a short ball outside off stump. Stoinis moved to defend it, but the ball bounced a little and hit the shoulder of his bat. The ball flew through the air and landed near the little third man.
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However, Stoinis failed to take the runs but while playing the shot, the captain accidentally jammed his right thumb against the bat when the ball hit it. He was injured when the ball hit his bat and shattered his thumb. He had to leave the field immediately because of the pain. Later, David Cartwright entered the field, while Tom Curran finished the match with a boundary against the Strikers.
Concern for the Melbourne Stars on the eve of #BBL15 Finals.
Marcus Stoinis left the field with just two points to spare in his match at the MCG after the incident. pic.twitter.com/LSRQlZOhIw
– KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 13, 2026
Tom Curran’s 4/10 keeps Melbourne Stars’ final hopes alive
Curran was named Player of the Match for his career-best figures of 4/10 after helping the Stars keep their 2025-26 BBL final dreams alive. The England all-rounder is hopeful 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: “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 next week goes, and hopefully we can get into the top two because that’s a big advantage. Yes, I’m very happy; it’s nice to contribute. And like I said, it was a big game for us So one to go to Perth and hopefully make the top two.
