Aaron Finch announces retirement from ODIs

Australian limited-overs captain Aaron Finch announced his unexpected retirement from one-day cricket on Saturday after a lean run with the bat. He said it was time to hand over the baton. The 35-year-old will play his 146th and final ODI on Sunday in Cairns against New Zealand.

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Finch had an outstanding ODI career in which he scored 5,401 runs. His 17 centuries put him behind only greats Ricky Ponting (29), David Warner, and Mark Waugh (both 18).

Finch made his debut against Sri Lanka at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 2013 and smashed his maiden hundred against Scotland, scoring 148 runs.

"It has been a fantastic ride with some 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. I thank all of those who have helped and supported my journey to this point."

said Finch, who has skippered the one-day side 54 times

While no one questioned his outstanding captaincy. However, the opener has been in a form rut with the bat, scoring 5, 5, 1, 15, 0, 0, 0 in his last seven ODIs.

Despite this, he had been expected to lead the team to the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Finch stated in 2020 that being in charge of that tournament was his "ultimate goal".

"It is time now to give a new leader the best possible opportunity to prepare for and win the next World Cup," he said.

"On behalf of Australian Cricket, I would like to congratulate Aaron on his vast contribution as the captain of the Australian Men's ODI team and as a wonderful exponent of the 50-over format."

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said

However, Finch will remain captain of the T20 side preparing to defend its World Cup title on home soil next month.