Marcus Stoinis ahead of Auckland T20I: My career pretty much started here

[caption id="attachment_686121" align="aligncenter" width="628"] Marcus Stoinis Getty images[/caption]

Marcus Stoinis starred in the second ODI of the Chappell-Hadlee series at Eden Park where he hit an unbeaten 146 almost taking Australia home. Stoinis also picked up three wickets for 49 runs and went past Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson, as centurions picking two wickets.

Stoinis became the second highest run scorer at No. 7 position going pass James Faulkner's 116 against India at Bangalore. He is only behind Kapil Dev who scored 175 against Zimbabwe. Stoinis came to bat when Australia were 54 for 5 and took them to 280 as Josh Hazlewood was run out and Australia faced defeat by mere 6 runs.

Stoinis received a standing ovation from the crowd as he left the field. Talking to reporters in Auckland he expressed his memories of the incredible knock ahead of 5th T20I at the same venue. He also talked about how his international career actually started at Eden Park.

Very special moment

"I've heard it's pretty rare (the standing ovation at Eden Park). Our coach apparently got hit by a fish one time off the boundary, that was amazing for me and very respectful from the crowd. I found out later how rare that it is so a very special moment for me," Stoinis told Cricbuzz.

"My career pretty much started here so I'm excited to be back," Stoinis said. "To come back after 18 months and do well and help the team out, it was just a 'thank God' sort of thing."

Australia have been unbeaten on the T20I tri-series and have registered a spot in the final. They defeated New Zealand by seven wickets of February 3. However, Stoinis believes the host will bounce back strongly at their backyard and it will be tough to beat them.

"They are back in form and we know how good they are, so we will be watching out," he said.

"It will be different playing them in New Zealand than in Australia because of the conditions and their supporters. We know the balance of their side is pretty good."

"We want to continue playing a fearless brand of cricket and now we can just continue to do that," he concluded.