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Australia captain Aaron Finch has announced retirement from One-Day Internationals. The 35-year-old announced his decision ahead of the third and final match of the Chappell-Hadlee trophy against New Zealand. Finch has played 145 ODI matches and led the Aussies in 54 games. However, Finch will continue to lead the men's T20 side.
Finch made his ODI debut in 2013 and has amassed a total of 5041 runs with 17 centuries and 30 fifties at an average of 39.13. The Australian opener has been under a bad run of form with a string of low scores in the recent past. In his 50-over career, Finch played a key role in Australia's 2015 ICC World Cup winning campaign.
Addressing his retirement, Finch talked about how he has been blessed in the journey so far. He also wished the best of luck for next year’s 50-over World Cup in India. "It has been a fantastic ride with some incredible memories," Finch said. "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. 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 of those who have helped and supported my journey to this point."
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley also congratulated Finch for his career in 50-over cricket. He said, "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."
"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", he continued.
"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."