Blackcaps v Australia: Underfire Aussie captain Aaron Finch to retire from one-day internationals after Chappell-Hadlee finale

Out-of-form Australian captain Aaron Finch will step down from one-day internationals, after Sunday's Chappell-Hadlee finale against New Zealand at Cairns.

Finch, 35, will retire with 17 ODI centuries - fourth behind only Ricky Ponting, David Warner and Mark Waugh among Australians - but his most recent came in November 2020 against India. His last seven one-day innings - including the first two matches against the Blackcaps - have totalled just 26 runs.

He will remain at the helm of the T20 squad for next months World Cup on home soil, but has abandonned plans to stick around for the 50-over edition in India next year.

"It has been a fantastic ride with some incredible memories," said Finch. "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. I thank all of those who have helped and supported my journey to this point."

Finch made his one-day debut for Australia in 2013, helping his country to victory over New Zealand at the 2015 World Cup. He became Australia's 24th one-day captain in 2018 and has amassed 145 appearances in the format, but a knee injury kept him out of one-day cricket last year and he has failed to recover his form.

He scored five in the opening match of the Chappell-Hadlee series, before he was trapped leg before wicket by Trent Boult, and then fell for a second-ball duck, caught by counterpart Kane Williamson off Matt Henry's bowling, in the second encounter.

"Aaron is an enormously gifted and determined player, whose outstanding deeds with the bat have been matched by his strong and inspiring leadership," said Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley.

NZ captain Kane Williamson greets counterpart Aaron Finch during the Chappell-Hadlee series
NZ captain Kane Williamson greets counterpart Aaron Finch during the Chappell-Hadlee series. Photo credit: Getty

"His decision to step aside from the ODI captaincy now is typical of his selfless approach to the game.

"I'm delighted that Aaron will lead the Australian team into the forthcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where his leadership, experience and tactical nous will be integral to the defence of our T20 World Cup title on home soil."