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Australia's white-ball captain Aaron Finch has announced his retirement from ODI cricket after his side's third match against New Zealand which will take place on Sunday, September 11. The opening batter, who turns 36 in November, will continue as captain of the T20I team as they hope to defend the World Cup title on home soil in October-November.
Finch will play his final ODI — his 146th — at the Cazalys Stadium in Cairns and will hope to end his career on a high and finish his captaincy with a win in his 55th outing as skipper in the format. His 17 centuries for Australia put him behind only greats Ricky Ponting (29), David Warner and Mark Waugh (both 18).
Finch's decision comes after a lean patch in the 50-over format, with scoring only 26 runs in his last seven innings. His original idea would have been to lead Australia to the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, stating in 2020 that being in charge of Australia for that tournament was his 'ultimate goal'. He has since changed his stance.
"It has been a fantastic ride with some incredible memories. I have been extremely fortunate to be a 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. I thank all of those who have helped and supported my journey to this point," Finch said in the official statement.
The 35-year-old made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in 2013, alongside fellow debutants Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawaja. Becoming a vital cog in the Australian top-order, Finch helped Australia to the World Cup in 2015.
Finch took over the ODI captaincy in 2018 and after their semifinal loss in the ODI World Cup in 2019 to eventual winners England, he led Australia to the T20 trophy in 2021. His last ODI century came against India in November 2020.
"On behalf of Australian Cricket, I would like to congratulate Aaron on his vast contribution as the captain of the Australian men's ODI team and as a wonderful exponent of the 50-over format. 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," Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said in the official statement.
"I'm delighted that 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," he added.
