Aaron Finch, the captain of Australia’s white-ball team, will stop playing one-day international (ODI) cricket after Sunday’s game against New Zealand.
Since 2018, Finch has served as the team’s ODI and Twenty20 captain.
The opening hitter, who is 35 years old, has participated in 145 ODIs and has amassed 5,401 runs at an average of 39.13.
He steered Australia to their first T20 World Cup victory in 2021, and he will continue to do so when the tournament returns to Australia in October.
It’s been an incredible journey with some fantastic memories, remarked Finch.
“I have been blessed by all the guys I have played with and the many people behind the scenes, and I have been fortunate to be a part of some outstanding one-day teams.
“It is now time to provide a new leader with the finest chance to be ready for and win the next World Cup. Finally, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported and assisted me.
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Finch’s position in the team was in doubt due to his recent ODI performance, as he averages only 13 in 2022.
He recorded his sixth duck of the year in the second ODI match against New Zealand on Thursday.
Australia took an unbeatable 2-0 lead and won the three-match ODI series.
Following the ball-tampering incident during Australia’s Test series against South Africa, Finch replaced Steve Smith as white-ball captain.
Having played for nine different teams in the India Premier League (IPL) and Melbourne Renegades in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) from the league’s inception in 2011, he continues to be among the most well-known T20 cricket players on the globe.
As the captain of the Australian Men’s ODI squad and a superb 50-over player, Aaron has made a significant contribution to Australian cricket, according to Nick Hockley, chief executive of Cricket Australia.
“Aaron is a very talented and dedicated player, and his excellent leadership style matches his prodigious feats with the bat.
“His choice to resign as ODI captain at this time is characteristic of his game-changing selflessness.
Aaron’s leadership, experience, and tactical understanding will be crucial to Australia’s defense of its T20 World Cup title at home during the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
