It was a piece of surprising news when Australian ODI skipper Aaron Finch announced his sudden retirement decision on Saturday. Incidentally, the skipper, called Finchie by the teammates, has been suffering a lean patch with the bat. Several critics had questioned his technique and mode of dismissals. Of late, the opener has been out of form with the bat, scoring 5, 5, 1, 15, 0, 0, 0 in his last seven ODIs.
Aaron Finch. What a sensational ODI career! ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/2dAiUch8Cs
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) September 10, 2022
However, Finch has had such issues in the past and has overcome them firmly in his challenging career. One of the best opening pairs in world cricket, Finch and David Warner, produced several memorable partnerships for Australia in white ball cricket. A string of low scores put him in a tough mental space, which he acknowledged later to the media.
Despite the loss of form, Aussies had expected him to lead the team in the run up to the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. A natural leader, the right-handed batter enjoys crucial support from teammates and coaching staff alike. However, Finchie surprised everyone with the timing of his decision.
Aaron Finch has announced his retirement from ODI cricket.
Congratulations on a brilliant ODI career, @AaronFinch5! 👏🏻#PlayBold pic.twitter.com/xU5pmwGLE5
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) September 10, 2022
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The 35-year-old explosive batter will play his final ODI in Cairns against New Zealand on Sunday. The Aussie skipper played 146 ODIs, scoring 5,401 runs for his country. Meanwhile, the dashing opener will remain as skipper for the T20I side, preparing to defend its World Cup title next month.
Aaron Finch is a happy man, leaving with no regrets
Talking about his cricketing career, the Aussie batter expressed happiness in his decade-old career. The opener also hailed the team management, support staff, and family for their contributions in his career.
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Aaron Finch is in elite company 🙌
More on his ODI retirement 👉 https://t.co/G6ywCZScaP pic.twitter.com/O6qPPVX2h6
— ICC (@ICC) September 10, 2022
“It has been a fantastic ride with some incredible memories. I have been extremely fortunate to be a part of some brilliant one-day side. Equally, I have been blessed by all those I have played with and the many people behind the scenes,” says Finch.
“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,” adds the 35-year-old star. Meanwhile, tributes are pouring in for the Aussie skipper on social media from cricketers and fans alike.
Aaron signed off when his bat went silent. And perhaps it is the right time to do so.
