Aaron Finch, the captain of Australia's white-ball team, has announced his retirement from one-day international (ODI) cricket. His last assignment will be the third and final game against New Zealand in Cairns on September 11.
The 35-year-old Finch will not captain the Kangaroos in the 2023 World Cup in India due to his retirement from 50-over international cricket, but he will do so for the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia in October and November of this year.
According to the ICC, Finch, who has played 145 ODIs for Australia, has been out of sorts lately, scoring only 26 runs in his past seven innings.
Finch made the following remarks in a statement on behalf of Cricket Australia (CA): "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. It is time now to offer a new leader the best opportunity to prepare for and win the next (50-over) World Cup."
Finch will continue to captain the team in this year's T20 World Cup tournament even though he won't play in Australia's 2024 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup campaign in the West Indies and USA.
Nick Hockley, CEO of Cricket Australia, said: "I would like to congratulate Aaron on his enormous contribution as the captain of the Australian Men's ODI squad and as a fantastic representative of the 50-over game on behalf of Australian Cricket.
"Aaron is a fiercely competitive athlete with exceptional talent, and his inspiring leadership style matches his brilliant on-field exploits. It is indicative of his altruistic attitude to the game for him to step down from the ODI captaincy at this time.
Aaron's leadership, experience, and tactical acumen will be crucial to Australia's defence of its T20 World Cup title at home during the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup.