Australian captain Aaron Finch will retire from one-day international cricket, with his final match to be played against New Zealand on Sunday.
Finch has been under pressure to keep his spot in the side following a lean patch, he’s failed to crack double digits in six of his past seven ODI innings.
The 35-year-old has notched just one half-century from 13 innings this year and been sent packing for a duck five times.
Finch, who has captained Australia 54 times in his 145 one-day matches, will continue to lead the country’s T20 side including at this year’s World Cup, which the Australians will host from October 16.
“It has been a fantastic ride with some incredible memories,” Finch said in a statement.
“I have been extremely fortunate to be a part of some brilliant one-day sides. Equally, I have been blessed by all those I have played with and the many people behind the scenes.
“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 to this point.”
Finch’s retirement comes with the 35-year-old in a poor run of batting form in the one-day game.
He made a second ball duck in Australia’s 113-run victory over New Zealand on Thursday, the fifth time in 13 one-day innings this year that he has failed to score a run.
“On behalf of Australian Cricket, I would like to congratulate Aaron on his vast contribution as captain of the Australian Men’s ODI team and as a wonderful exponent of the 50-over format,” Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley said.
