‘Dignified leader, terrific statesman’ – Fans pour in their heart-warming tributes as Aaron Finch announces retirement from ODI Cricket
Aaron Finch has been going through a lean patch in ODI's recently.
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Sep 10, 2022 11:12 am
Aaron Finch- Source (Twitter)
Aaron Finch is set to bid adieu to ODIs after the 3rd one-dayer against New Zealand gets over, Cricket Australia announced the same on Saturday. However, it is not all goodbye for him as he will continue to skipper the Australian men’s T20I side. Finch has played in 145 ODI’s and led in 54 ODIs as skipper.
Aaron Finch, who made his ODI debut in 2013, also happens to be a World Cup winner. His ODI stats make good reading as he has scored 5041 runs in the format including 17 hundreds and 30 fifties at an average of 39.13. Finch though, has been going through a torrid run of form with the bat in recent times.
Finch will continue in T20Is, and this could be the last stage of his international career when will attempt to defend a World 20-20 title on Australian soil later this year. Australia are the current 20-20 Champions as they got their maiden T20I title last year in the UAE.
“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 added: “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.
“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.”
Australia would look for a new ODI skipper now that Finch has retired, Alex Carey appears to be the frontrunner for the post, and other choices for captaincy could be Steven Smith or David Warner.
Twitter was abuzz, let us take a look at the reactions here-
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.
Aaron Finch has confirmed tomorrow's ODI against New Zealand will be his last in the 50-over format where he has built a career as an Australian great. Huge part of historic 2015 World Cup success and has done an outstanding job as captain since taking over after Sandpapergate
Cricketers to make their ODI debut since 2010 and score more than 15 100s
Babar Azam – 18 in 92 innings Quinton De Kock- 17 in 132 innings Aaron Finch – 17 in 141 innings Shikhar Dhawan – 17 in 155 innings Joe Root – 16 in 147 innings
AUS won 21 & lost 10 ODIs. Finch's career best form came at a key time, as it came after a phase AUS won just 4 of 26 ODIs. Happy ODI retirement Aaron Finch ❤️ pic.twitter.com/XGzqHWAdCS
Not many people in Australian cricket who are liked & respected by just about everyone. Aaron Finch is. Australia couldn’t have asked for better white-ball captain post sandpaper. Destructive batter, underrated tactician, consummate team man. Gets his chance for fairytale finish.
Aaron Finch finishes with the second-best 50-100 conversion rate in ODIs for Australia behind David Warner. Further proof that when he was good, he was great in 50-over cricket & that probably would be his legacy #AaronFinch#AusvNZ
Australian captain Aaron James Finch announces retirement from One day international cricket 🙂. He will be playing his last match against new Zealand tomorrow 🙂
One remarkable thing about Aussie cricketers. So many illustrious ones retire gracefully if they face decline in form over an extended period – year or two. No hype. No drama. Some contrast to how century against minnows after years is celebrated as ‘King back with a bang’ etc https://t.co/1gXUENiHcO
