Australian limited-overs captain Aaron Finch announced his unexpected retirement from one-day cricket on Saturday after a lean run with the bat.
After a poor run with the bat, Australian limited-overs captain Aaron Finch abruptly announced his retirement from one-day cricket on Saturday, saying it was time to pass the torch.
On Sunday in Cairns, the 35-year-old will play his 146th and final ODI against New Zealand, finishing a stellar 50-over career in which he has amassed 5,401 runs.
His 17 centuries put him behind only greats Ricky Ponting (29), David Warner and Mark Waugh (both 18).
The T20 team led by Finch will continue to prepare to defend its World Cup championship at home early next month.
Also read: ICC T20 World Cup 2022: PCB rehires Matthew Hayden as team mentor
Finch took to Instagram to mark his ODI retirement with an emotional post.
"It's been one hell of a ride! To play with and against some of the greatest players of all time has been a privilege. Representing Australia was my dream as a kid and to have been the opportunities I have is beyond anything I could've hoped for. Thanks so much for all of the kind words, messages and well wishes!" wrote the Australian, along with iconic photographs from his ODI journey.
Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli was one among those to congratulate Finch on a successful ODI career. "Well done finchy. It was great to play against you all these years and with you as well at rcb. Enjoy the next phase of your life to the fullest," wrote the sensational batter.
Earlier today, Finch, who captained Australia in 54 ODIs, stated it had been a 'fantastic journey with 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," he said.
While no one questioned Finch's impressive captaincy, the opener has been in a form rut with the bat, scoring 5, 5, 1, 15, 0, 0, 0 in his last seven ODIs with pressure building in the media.
Despite this, Finch had been expected to lead the team to the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Finch stated in 2020 that being in charge for that tournament was his "ultimate goal".
"It is time to give a new leader the best opportunity to prepare for and win the next World Cup. I thank those who have helped and supported my journey to this point," Finch concluded.
Meanwhile, fans took to Twitter to applaud Finch's ODI career. Here's a look at some of the reactions
Aaron Finch. What a sensational ODI career! ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/2dAiUch8Cs
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau)Finch ❣️
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. pic.twitter.com/3Y1gsIlg7Q
• 145 Matches
• 5401 Runs
• 39.14 Average
• 30 Fifties
• 17 Hundreds
Aaron Finch is the greatest Victorian batsman that we have ever produced. pic.twitter.com/bVCOyMQkxZ
Aaron Finch retires from ODI cricket as one of Australia’s greatest white ball cricketers. 17 centuries at the top of the order at an average of 40. His best was often when his team needed him the most and a hugely respected leader of men and such a strong feel for the game.
— Adam White (@White_Adam)Cricketers with 6 ODI hundreds as captain
Sachin Tendulkar
MS Dhoni
Aaron Finch
Babar Azam
100s as captain for Finch
116 v PAK in Sharjah 2019
153* v PAK in Sharjah 2019
153 v SL 2019 WC
100 v ENG 2019 WC
110* v IND in Mumbai 2020
114 v IND at SCG 2020 pic.twitter.com/HYVAVsl5q8
List of ODI centuries by Aaron Finch:-
148 vs 🏴
121 vs 🏴
108 vs 🏴
102 vs 🇿🇦
109 vs 🇿🇦
135 vs 🏴
107 vs 🇮🇳
124 vs 🇮🇳
107 vs 🏴
106 vs 🏴
100 vs 🏴
116 vs 🇵🇰
153* vs🇵🇰
153 vs 🇱🇰
100 vs 🏴
110* vs 🇮🇳
114 vs 🇮🇳
Thanks for everything pic.twitter.com/pr0KYHKgJv
Thank you my captain!
Will miss ur services, you have made us always bloody proud:
You recent slump in form can't overshadow what you have done for Aussie team.
Best of luck for ur next innings!.
Will miss u alot. pic.twitter.com/45xYV5OcI3
A true champion of the white-ball game.
Aaron Finch will retire from one-day cricket after tomorrow’s third and final Dettol ODI vs New Zealand, with focus shifting to leading Australia at the pic.twitter.com/SG8uQuTVGc
People will long talk about the job Tim Paine and Justin Langer did to restore the reputation of Australian cricket post-Cape Town but Aaron Finch was every bit as significant. Such a dignified leader, terrific statesman for the game and outstanding white-ball player at his pomp.
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny)