Melbourne Stars all-rounder Marcus Stoinis believes his omission from Australia’s 13-player squad for the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies “makes complete sense”, backing West Australian teammate Aaron Hardie to flourish at international level.

The 34-year-old’s ODI career is in jeopardy following Wednesday’s announcement, where rising stars Jhye Richardson, Matt Short, Lance Morris and Nathan Ellis were selected for next month’s three-match series.

Stoinis, who hasn’t scored an ODI fifty in nearly five years, was dropped ahead of November’s World Cup final against India, losing his spot to Marnus Labuschagne. The West Australian has averaged 17.46 with the bat since the start of the 2019 World Cup in England, also taking 22 wickets at 38.95 during that period.

However, Stoinis doesn’t hold any grudges over his ODI axing, identifying the West Indies series as an opportunity to blood young players such as Hardie ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan and 2027 World Cup in South Africa.

Hardie, who made his international debut in South Africa last year, has been in sublime form for Western Australia and the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League, blasting 287 runs at 47.83 for the reigning champions this summer.

“The fact Hardie is coming in … I think that’s brilliant,” Stoinis told reporters in Melbourne on Thursday.

“He has been playing brilliantly and he also needs to be exposed in international cricket, which I think he is ready for.

“I think that makes complete sense after a World Cup – there needs to be a balance between keeping a core and bringing new guys in. The next tournament they are looking forward to is the Champions Trophy, which is 18 months away.

“I’ve got no intention of retiring from international cricket or anything like that, but I think it makes complete sense. I don’t own any position in any sort of team.”

Stoinis also revealed he would travel to South Africa after his Big Bash commitments wrap up to represent the Durban Super Giants in the SA20 competition, a move Cricket Australia supported.

Last summer, the powerful right-hander had a brief stint with the Sharjah Warriors in the United Arab Emirates’ ILT20 competition during a similar post-BBL window.

“I had a few conversations with Andrew McDonald over the last four to six months. I spoke to (national selection chair) George (Bailey) as well,” Stoinis explained.

“I just keep them in the loop with what the options are.

“I’ve got every intention of playing T20 cricket for Australia as long as I can and as long as they want me. I feel like my international T20 cricket’s been good over the last whatever period, and I’ve got a great relationship with the boys in the team.

“But then there also needs to be a transition to get people into the team as well, and expose people.”

Stoinis clarified he would continue pursuing opportunities in high-paying T20 leagues when they present themselves, praising CA’s communication and flexibility.

“We understand the landscape of cricket and there’s great opportunities at the moment everywhere, and you need to be incorporating a group of cricketers into these teams I think,” Stoinis said.

“I’m very lucky with my relationship with (McDonald), we’re super open and clear. It’ll be the cornerstone of my cricket going forward, my relationship with Ron. He understands that cricket is going that way, and over the next couple of years there might be a transition. You can either push against it really or just work with it.

“Everyone wants the right thing for players individually, but also for Cricket Australia and the Australian cricket team. As long as we’re on that page, I think most situations should be able to resolve themselves.”

The Stars, currently fifth on the BBL ladder, will next face cross-town rivals the Melbourne Renegades at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, with the first ball scheduled for 7.30pm AEDT.

Australian ODI squad vs West Indies

Steve Smith (c)

Sean Abbott

Nathan Ellis

Cameron Green

Aaron Hardie

Travis Head (vc)

Josh Inglis

Marnus Labuschagne

Glenn Maxwell

Lance Morris

Jhye Richardson

Matt Short

Adam Zampa