Australia's World Cup-winning one-day side could do with some new blood says dumped Marcus Stoinis, who insists he holds no grudge over his axing from the squad.
Selectors preferred in-form 25-year-old Aaron Hardie to Stoinis in the allrounder slot for the three-game series against West Indies next month, leaving the 34-year-old's international 50-over tenure in serious doubt.
Hardie, who has been in imperious touch for the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League, has played just one ODI, against South Africa in the run-up to last year's World Cup.
Stoinis insisted he wasn't calling time on his international cricket career - but said he could not argue with the selectors' decision.
"In terms of the fact Hardie's coming in, that's brilliant. It makes complete sense," he told reporters on Thursday.
"After a World Cup there needs to be a balance between keeping a core (and) bringing new guys in.
"I've got no intention of retiring from international cricket or anything like that, but it makes complete sense.
"(Hardie has) been playing brilliantly. He also needs to be exposed in international cricket, which I think he's ready for."
Stoinis struggled through the World Cup, averaging 21.8 with the bat and taking four wickets in six matches before losing his place in the side and missing the final.
Jhye Richardson, Matt Short, Lance Morris and Nathan Ellis have joined Hardie as inclusions in the forward-looking squad.
Stoinis will instead head to the SA20 competition where he will turn out for Durban, a move agreed with Cricket Australia.
He denied the ODI snub would cause him to chase more franchise T20 deals rather than pushing for an international recall.
"My communication with Cricket Australia, and particularly with Ron (coach Andrew McDonald), is just really clear - I keep them in the loop with what the options are," he said.
"It did make sense to me to talk to him ... about the plans for bringing guys through, I don't own any position in any team.
"I'm not looking forward to planning my whole year and trying to pick and choose when to play, but I'm fortunate I've had Ron for a long time with Victoria and with Australia.
"We just pretty much talk it through and I trust him."
