Aaron Finch retirement: Australian great steps away from international cricket after 254 matches

Australian great Aaron Finch has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a brilliant career in the shorter formats of the game. 

Finch held a press conference to announce his decision to retire from international cricket on Tuesday morning, saying he wanted to give the team time to get settled before the T20 World Cup next year.

"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," Finch said.

"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."

The 36-year-old established himself as one of the greatest white-ball players in the modern era, amassing over 8,500 runs and 19 centuries across both ODIs and T20I cricket. 

Finch had stepped away from the 50-over game last year, relinquishing the captaincy to Pat Cummins in the process, but remained part of the Aussie lineup during the T20 World Cup defence in October 2022.

The right-hander also continued his Big Bash career during the recent season, making the official Team of the Tournament and helping the Renegades back to the finals.

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Despite his enormous success in the shorter forms of the game, Finch was never able to replicate that form in the Baggy Green, playing just five Tests and averaging under 30 with the bat. 

His decision will open the door for a new Australian T20 captain, with the likes of Steve Smith, Ashton Turner and Glenn Maxwell all likely in the mix. 

Aaron Finch career record and statistics