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Stoinis left 'empty' after Nagpur defeat

Allrounder makes another vital contribution ... in another loss for Australia's struggling ODI outfit

Marcus Stoinis feels empty after playing yet another strong hand in a loss but the allrounder is determined to learn from the best as Australia tune up for the World Cup.

Stoinis top-scored with 52 for the tourists in their dramatic second ODI against India, falling at the start of the final over as his team crashed to an eight-run loss in Nagpur.

Stoinis has now posted six half-centuries and one memorable ton – when he finished 146 not out against New Zealand at Eden Park – in one-dayers.

Australia have lost all seven of those matches.

Australia fall just short in a thriller

"Just a bit of an empty feeling coming to the end of the game," Stoinis said the morning after his knock.

"We did well, fought hard, got close but we didn't get the result we wanted.


"Hindsight is a beautiful thing ... you think if this partnership goes longer or you take a risk earlier (what would have happened), all that sort of stuff. You never know what's going to happen.

"We haven't had a debrief yet ... when emotions are going it's probably best to let that settle then have a more relaxed conversation the next day."

India will take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series if they win in Ranchi on Friday.

India veterans Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni have proven the difference in the series so far.

Kohli's knock of 116 in the second ODI was a masterful innings, while Dhoni showed similar composure to finish 59 not out and shepherd his side to victory in Hyderabad after they slumped to 4-99.

"Virat and MS play very different roles but they make sure they get the job done for the team," Stoinis said.

"Two of the best players in the world ... so there's things to learn from them and it's probably fortunate we're playing them so frequently leading up to a World Cup."

Qantas Tour of India

First T20: Australia won by three wickets

Second T20: Australia won by seven wickets

First ODI: India won by six wickets

Second ODI: India won by eight runs

Third ODI: March 8, Ranchi

Fourth ODI: March 10, Mohali

Fifth ODI: March 13, Delhi