Aaron Finch calls time on his international career

After having retired from the 50-Over version of the game late last year, Australia’s T20I skipper Aaron Finch has decided to call it a day from T20Is as well, bringing the curtains down on a glittering career. Even though this move was largely expected last year, with Finch struggling for form and fitness, when Finch enjoyed a successful Big Bash League for Melbourne Renegades, smashing 428 runs at 38.90, there was some hope of a comeback.

"Realising that I won't be playing on until the next T20 World Cup in 2024, now is the right moment step down and give the team time to plan and build towardsthat event," Finch said.

"I'd like to thank my family, especially my wife Amy, my team-mates, Cricket Victoria, Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association for their support to allow me to play the game I love at the highest level. I also want to say a huge thank you to all the fans who have supported me throughout my international career.

"Team success is what you play the game for and the maiden T20 World Cup win in 2021 and lifting the ODI World Cup on home soil in 2015 will be the two memories I cherish the most.

"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."

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What Finch achieved in the 20-Over version of the game is incredible. He leaves the format as Australia’s leading men’s run-scorer, amassing 3120 runs at 34.28 and a strike rate of 142.53. He hit 172 runs against Zimbabwe in 2018 and that remains to date the best individual score in the format - a record he had also held with his 156 against England in 2013.

"As one of only four [five] men's players to captain Australia to a World Cup victory, Aaron will always have a special place in Australian Cricket's history," Cricket Australia chair, Dr Lachlan Henderson, said. "Playing at the highest level for over a decade requires incredible determination and dedication, so we thank Aaron for his enormous contribution and wish him all the best in the next phase of his career."

With Finch retiring, Cricket Australia will now have to appoint someone as skipper for the shortest version of the game. When Finch missed the game due to injury, Matthew Wade led the side but his time with the national team may have been finished too.