Aaron Finch retires from international cricket

Australian Men's T20 Captain Aaron Finch has today announced his retirement from all international cricket, 12 years after making his debut.

Having retired from One Day Internationals in September last year, Finch steps away from T20 Internationals after 103 matches, where he averaged 34.28 at a strike rate of 142.5. His 172 off 76 balls against Zimbabwe in 2018 remains the highest individual score in T20 Internationals. At the time, this innings broke his own record of 156 of 63 balls against England in 2013.

Finch played juniors for Colac West and Premier Cricket with Geelong, before first representing Australia at the U19 World Cup in 2006 - alongside current internationals Usman Khawaja, Matthew Wade, and David Warner.

Finch captained Australia in 76 T20 Internationals, more than any other men’s player, leading the team to a maiden ICC Men's T20 World Cup title in 2021. He finishes his career as a two-time World Cup winner having been a part of the squad that claimed the 50-over ICC Cricket World Cup title on home soil in 2015. He also played five Test matches in 2018.

Finch will continue to play in T20 domestic competitions, including the KFC Big Bash League.

“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 towards that event," said Finch announcing his retirement at the MCG.

“I'd like to thank my family, especially my wife Amy, my teammates, 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.

ACA CEO, Todd Greenberg, congratulated Finch and thanked him for the incredible service he has given to Australian cricket, including six years as an ACA Board Member.

"Aaron has had a remarkable career, representing Australia across all three formats, highlighted with the honour in captaining our Men’s T20 World Cup winning team in 2021," said Greenberg.

"His leadership is highly respected by all those who have played under him, as well as those he’s played against, and is testament to his tactical nous and generosity of spirit.

"We hope Aaron can now enjoy some more time with Amy and Esther, as he reflects on great career."