Daily Times

Former Australia captain Aaron Finch has officially announced his retirement from the Big Bash League (BBL) after an impressive 13 seasons with the Melbourne Renegades. In an official statement, the Renegades confirmed that the ongoing BBL|13 would be Finch’s final one.

After withdrawing from international cricket in February, Finch revealed his choice regarding his future in the BBL on Thursday night.

“There’ve been some real lows but great highs, and I’ve loved every bit of the journey. No moment can compare to winning the BBL title, that for me was very special and something I’ll remember. I’m proud to have played at the one club for the entirety of my career,” Finch said in a statement.

“The Renegades have been a huge part of my life and I’m so grateful for everything they’ve given me. To everyone who’s been part of the journey with me – our members, fans, supporters, my teammates and all who have had a part to play at the club at all levels – thank you,” said the 37-year-old cricket player.

David Saker, the Melbourne Renegades BBL head coach, commented on Finch’s announcement. “Finchy has been an outstanding servant and leader with the Renegades, it’s such a rare feat in the Big Bash to spend your career at the one club,” said Saker.

The Renegade’s general manager, James Rosengarten, also expressed his gratitude for Finch. “On behalf of the club, and Cricket Victoria more broadly, I want to thank Aaron sincerely for everything. He is forever etched in the fabric of this club, and I wish him, Amy and Esther, the best for a bright future. They know they will always have a place with us,” Rosengarten said.

Finch excellent cricket career

Finch has represented Australia in 146 one-day and 103 T20 internationals and captained Australia’s national team on 131 occasions. Known for his formidable hitting prowess, he played an important role in Australia’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2021.

He also partnered with David Warner as an opener, contributing significantly to Australia’s victory in the 50-over World Cup 2015. Notably, his outstanding innings, 172 against Zimbabwe in 2018, is the second-highest individual score in T20 cricket history.

Furthermore, Flinch is seventh in the all-time run-scorers list for T20 cricket. During the inaugural Big Bash season in 2011/12, he was the seventh-highest run-scorer. At the time, he shared the spotlight with renowned players like Herschelle Gibbs, Marcus North, and Owais Shah.

The aggressive opening batter served as the captain of the Renegades for 11 seasons (79 matches) from BBL|02 to BBL|12. Under his leadership, the team gained their inaugural Big Bash title in BBL|08. During a remarkable match, he orchestrated a stunning collapse of the Melbourne Stars, who went from 0-93 to 7-112, ultimately falling 13 runs short of the Renegades’ total of 5-145.

He had the club record for both the highest number of runs (3311) and appearances (106). He is also set to conclude his BBL career as the second-highest run-scorer in the competition’s history, trailing only behind Chris Lynn (3638).

Finch’s last BBL games

Fans can watch him in the stadium or place bets on simulated reality league cricket live to bid him farewell in his last games. Finch will play his final home game, the RMIT Melbourne Derby against the Melbourne Stars, on January 13 at Marvel Stadium.

Another opportunity for fans to watch him is on January 17 at the Sydney Showground Stadium, provided that Finch can secure his place in the team for the last two matches.

In his last BBL games, he may encounter his longstanding opening partner for Australia, David Warner. The Renegades and Sydney Thunder, led by Warner, will face off in the last BBL fixture of the season, which might also mark Warner’s final game on Australian soil.