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Australian T20 captain Aaron Finch has announced his retirement from all international cricket after 12 years in the national team.
The 36-year-old captained Australia in 76 T20 internationals – more than any other male player – and led the team to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2021, making him one of only four men to captain Australia to a World Cup. victory.
Finch was also part of the squad that lifted the 50-over ICC Cricket World Cup in 2015, having retired from ODI Cricket in September.
His T20 international career spanned 103 matches, averaging 34.28 with a strike rate of 142.5, and his 172 off 76 balls against Zimbabwe in 2018 remains the highest individual score in T20 internationals.
Finch said in a statement: “Aware that I will not be playing until the next T20 World Cup in 2024, now is the right time to step back and give the team time to plan and build towards the event.
Australia’s Aaron Finch is taking time off next summer to decide his T20 future after Australia’s World Cup title defense ended before the semi-finals.
“I want to thank my family, especially my wife Amy, my friends, Cricket Victoria, Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers Association for their support in allowing me to play the game I love at the highest level.
“I also want to say a big thank you to all the fans who have supported me throughout my international career. Team success is what you play for and winning the T20 World Cup in 2021 and lifting the ODI World Cup on home soil. in 2015 will be two memories I cherish much.
“To be able to represent Australia for 12 years and play with and against some of the greatest players of all time has been an incredible honour.”
Finch had an excellent tournament in the domestic Big Bash League, smashing 428 at an average of 38.9 to guide the Melbourne Renegades to their first finals series in three years.
The 36-year-old will continue to play in the domestic T20 competition, being named man of the match in his last appearance, against Ireland at the 2022 World Cup.
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Australia beat a spirited Ireland by 42 runs during the T20 World Cup on home soil
Cricket Australia chairman Dr Lachlan Henderson said: “On behalf of Cricket Australia, I would like to congratulate Aaron on an outstanding international career, where he has been one of the best white-ball players around.
“In full flight, there are few more powerful batsmen than Aaron, illustrated by the fact that he holds two of the three highest scores in T20 International cricket.
“While he is a tough competitor on the field, Aaron always plays the game with a smile and the right spirit. This has earned him the respect of his teammates, opposition players and fans from around the world.
“As one of only four men to captain Australia to World Cup victory, Aaron will always have a special place in Australian cricket history. Playing at the highest level for over a decade requires incredible determination and dedication, so we thank Aaron for him. a great contribution and I wish him all the best in the next stage of his career.”
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