Marcus Stoinis under fire over response to Glenn Maxwell mishap at Cricket World Cup

Marcus Stoinis was playing golf with Glenn Maxwell when the latter suffered a concussion. Image: Twitter/Cricket Australia

Marcus Stoinis’ comment that “boys will be boys” has infuriated the cricket world after Glenn Maxwell was concussed at the World Cup when he fell off the back of a golf cart. Maxwell will miss Australia’s crunch clash against England on Saturday in India after the mishap occurred following a round of golf with Stoinis, Pat Cummins and Mitch Marsh.

The Aussie boys were being transported back to the team bus when Maxwell fell off the golf cart and sustained a concussion. Photos posted to social media show the players enjoying their time on the course before the mishap.

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Discussing the situation on Thursday, Stoinis said: “It’s unfortunate. It was one of those things, unfortunately happened with boys being boys to an extent. I didn’t see him fall off the cart or anything like that, so I can’t really talk about that part, but I saw him yesterday, he’s in good spirits, he’s in Glenn Maxwell spirits. Can’t speak too much in terms of medical side, but I think he’s back, I’d hope he’s back very soon.”

Stoinis pointed to a number of freak accidents that have occurred in recent times (particularly while players have been playing golf), with Jonny Bairstow breaking his leg when he slipped on the tee box, and Josh Inglis injuring his hand when his club snapped at the T20 World Cup last year. “It’s like you need a mum on tour going ‘don’t do that, don’t do that,” Stoinis declared.

“It does seem like there’s been a few accidents in the broader cricket community. But we’re away from home for a long time and you’re doing things that you’re not really thinking there’s going to be risk of anyone hurting themselves. Where do you draw the line? You stop doing one thing then? I don’t know. But I do agree with you that there’s been a few little injuries throughout the cricket community.”

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Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell at the Cricket World Cup. (Photo by TAUSEEF MUSTAFA/AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images)

Marcus Stoinis cops backlash over comments

While innocuous at first glance, Stoinis’ comments have drawn some backlash. Cricket commentator Melissa Story took exception to the ‘boys will be boys’ line, as well as the claim men need women around to keep them out of trouble. “The double whammy of ‘boys will be boys’ AND suggesting a woman is needed to monitor the behaviour of grown men,” Story commented.

Fellow journalist Emma Delahunty commented: “It’s like patriarchy BS bingo…Boys will be boys. It’s women’s responsibility to force men to behave. ‘Not really thinking’ because men are dumb.”

Lachlan McKirdy of Code Sports added: “At what age do you have to stop using the phrase ‘boys will be boys’? Asking for a friend. For what it’s worth, I reckon the cut-off is 10.”

Mitch Marsh’s message to teammates after flying home

Stoinis looks likely to come back into the Australian side to replace Maxwell, while Cameron Green will almost certainly replace Mitch Marsh. The Aussies will be without both Maxwell and Marsh against England, with the latter flying home on Thursday due to family reasons.

Stoinis revealed Marsh has ensured his teammates that he will be back. “He’s got a family issue going on, and family’s the most important (thing) really,” Stoinis told reporters.

“He’s doing the right thing, and he’s getting home, and he’s seeing the people he needs to see. I don’t think there’s a timeline on when he’s coming back, but I’m sure he’ll do what he needs to do at home, and then get back.

“And he sent a message last night saying, ‘I’ll be home for a little bit, and then I’m coming back to win this World Cup’. So that speaks to his mindset.”

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