Aaron Finch announces ODI retirement, will continue as T20I captain
On Saturday morning, Australia's white-ball captain Aaron Finch announced his retirement from one-day internationals (ODIs). His final ODI will be against New Zealand in Cairns on Sunday. However, he will continue to captain Australia's T20I side as they look to defend their World Cup title next month. This announcement comes against the backdrop of several critics questioning his future in the ODIs. Here's more.
New leader should get time before the next World Cup: Finch
"Been a fantastic ride with some incredible memories. 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," Finch said.
Finch's ODI stats are impressive
Finch has played 145 ODIs, scoring 5,401 runs at a decent average of 39.13. He has 17 centuries and 30 half-centuries to his name with the highest score being 153*. He led Australia in 54 ODIs, winning 30 matches with a win/loss ratio of 1.250. Notably, he saw a dip in his ODI form this year scoring 169 runs at an average of 13.
Decoding Finch's ODI numbers
At home, Finch floored 1,950 runs at 36.11, hitting eight hundreds and eight fifties. Meanwhile, he hammered 2,277 and 1,174 runs at away and neutral venues, averaging 36.72 and 53.36, respectively. He loved facing India and England, having smashed 1,460 and 1,354 runs at 48.66 and 48.35 respectively. 2019 was Finch's best run, given he hoarded 1,141 runs at 51.86 (100s: 4, 50s: 6).
Who will be Australia's next ODI captain?
It is being reported that Alex Carey is a front-runner to take up this role. He captained Australia last year when Finch was not available. Other cricketers in the mix include Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood, and Glenn Maxwell.
Finch's poor form bit him hard
Finch was dismissed cheaply in the last one-dayer. It was his 16th duck in ODIs. As per ESPNcricinfo, Finch now holds the record for most ducks by an Aussie batter in a calendar year in 50-overs cricket (5). Ian Healy (1994), Ricky Ponting (1996), Andrew Symonds (2004), Adam Gilchrist (2005), Brett Lee (2009, and Shane Watson (2009) previously owned this record (4).
Finch has had a gloomy run in 2022
As stated, 2022 hasn't been kind to Finch. He has failed to open his account in five of the last 13 innings in ODIs. His scores this year read: 23, 0, 0, 44, 14, 62, 0, 0, 15, 1, 5, 5, and 0.
Finch enjoying a good deal success in T20Is
Finch has maintained a healthy record in the T20 Internationals played this year. He owns 247 runs at 30.87, striking at 121.67. He has struck two fifties and his last five scores read 8(12), 55(45), 61*(40), 24(13), and 29(20). He will hope to build on these, with Australia set to play eight T20Is before the T20 WC, including a three-match series against India.
An Aussie great!
Most notably, Finch has the third-most ODI centuries for the Kangaroos, ranking behind Ponting (29), David Warner (18), and Mark Waugh (18). The right-hander was a part of the 2015 World Cup winning team. He was noted for his crunch 81 against India in the semi-final. He guided Australia to the 2019 WC semi-finals, besides amassing 507 runs at 50.70 (100s: 2, 50s: 3).
What's next for Finch?
Finch will continue to offer his services in the 20-overs format, including active participation in the Big Bash League 2022-23 while playing for the Melbourne Renegades. He would assess his career post the tourney.
