Aaron Finch has announced his retirement from T20Is, bringing the curtains down on his Australia career spanning 12 years. The Australia captain had earlier retired from ODI cricket in September last year.
Finch made his T20I debut against England in September 2007, and went on to play 107 matches for Australia, scoring 2,357 runs at an average of 32.90. He also captained the side in 46 T20Is, winning 27 of them.
“It’s been an absolute privilege and honor to represent my country over the last 12 years,” Finch said in a statement. “I’m extremely proud of what we’ve been able to achieve in the game and I’m thankful for all the opportunities that have come my way.”
“Realising that I won’t be playing on until the next T20 World Cup in 2024, now is the right moment step down and give the team time to plan and build towards that event,” Finch told reporters at the MCG on Tuesday
After 103 caps for Australia, Finch steps away from T20I cricket, having led the country in 76 of those matches. He retires as Australia’s leading run-getter in the format, having scored 3120 runs at an average of 34.28 and a strike rate of 142.5. His career-best 172, against Zimbabwe in 2018, is also the best individual score in the format, a record he previously claimed with his 156 against England in 2013. He also played five Test matches for Australia. I’m extremely grateful to my family, Amy in particular, as well as my teammates, Cricket Victoria, Cricket Australia, and the Australian Cricketers’ Association for their support in allowing me to keep playing the game I love at the highest level. I also want to give a huge shoutout to all the fans who have supported me throughout my international career. Thank you so much!
Finch’s last T20I appearance for Australia was in the group game against Ireland in last year’s World Cup at home. He went on to miss the team’s final game against Afghanistan due to injury and said he would take stock of things during the BBL. He enjoyed a successful season with Melbourne Renegades, amassing 428 runs at an average of 38.90, but has now decided to end his international career. Australia’s next T20I appearance will be in August when they tour South Africa.
It has been an incredible honor to represent Australia and play with and against some of the greatest players of all time for 12 years. However, Finch said he will continue to play for the Renegades in the BBL and any other domestic T20 opportunities that come his way.
Aaron Finch is one of only four men’s cricket players to captain Australia to a World Cup victory. This remarkable feat cements his place as an incredible athlete and leader in Australian cricket history. Dr Lachlan Henderson, chair of Cricket Australia, said playing at the highest level for over a decade is an impressive accomplishment.
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