Cricket news: Australian ODI and T20 captain Aaron Finch retires
Australian World Cup hero Aaron Finch has made the big call to retire from one-day international cricket. He opens up on why the time is right, and one last hurrah.
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World Cup hero Aaron Finch has confirmed his retirement from one-day international cricket.
The under-pressure white-ball captain has declared Sunday’s final ODI against New Zealand will be his farewell in the format after a lean run with the bat against Zimbabwe and the Black Caps.
The respected captain has set himself for potentially one final hurrah in leading the T20 World Cup defence on home soil next month.
The announcement gives the 35-year-old and everyone in the Australian set-up clarity on his future and sets a clear goal for this T20 World Cup.
Finch has played 145 one-day internationals and was a key part of Australia’s 2015 World triumph, also on home soil, and despite his recent battles, his career record of 17 centuries and 5401 runs at an average of 39 is world class will ensure he goes down as a great of the white ball game.
A new 50-over captain will have to be appointed in November to take the side through to the 2023 ODI World Cup in 12 months’ time.
“It has been a fantastic ride with some incredible memories,” Finch said.
“I have been extremely fortunate to be part of some brilliant one-day sides. Equally I have been blessed by all those I have played with and the many people behind the scenes.
“It is time now to give a new leader the best possible opportunity to prepare for and win the next World Cup. I thank all those who have helped and supported my journey to this point.”
As a captain, Finch has done a sterling job since being appointed in the wake of the Sandpapergate scandal, with his crowning achievement skippering Australia’s historic first-ever Twenty20 World Cup triumph last year.
On the back of that victory, Finch earned the right to also lead the title defence on home soil starting on October 22, and selectors will back him to turn his form around before then and lead the team.
Finch has already been selected as captain in the Twenty20 World Cup squad and that won’t be changing.
After Sunday’s ODI farewell in Cairns, Finch will then have seven Twenty20 international warm-up games to find his stride before the World Cup kicks off against New Zealand at the SCG in seven weeks’ time.
Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley paid tribute to Finch’s impact as captain and endorsed his place as T20 leader.
“On behalf of Australian cricket, I would like to congratulate Aaron on his vast contribution as captain of the Australian men’s ODI team and as a wonderful exponent of the 50-over format,” said Hockley.
“Aaron is an enormously gifted and determined player whose outstanding deeds with the bat have been matched by his strong and inspiring leadership. His decision to step aside from the ODI captaincy now is typical of his selfless approach to the game.
“I’m delighted Aaron will lead the Australian team into the forthcoming ICC men’s T20 World Cup where his leadership, experience and tactical nous will be integral to the defence of our T20 World Cup title on home soil.”
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Originally published as Cricket news: Australian ODI and T20 captain Aaron Finch retires
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