So after a prolonged period surrounding the future of Aaron Finch, which was the talk around Australia following a rather extended run of indifferent form, the limited overs captain of Australia finally put a stop to all the discussion by announcing his retirement from ODI internationals after the New Zealand series.
The announcement draws a close to arguably a very fruitful career for the right-hander, who won almost everything there was to win on an international level. A career spanning 145 matches will come to a close, and in the course of his career, Finch has provided a lot of memorable knocks which will forever be cherished by cricket fans across the globe.
We have a look at 5 of the most memorable knocks of Finch in his ODI career.
1. The first of many- 148 vs Scotland
After having a rather underwhelming debut, the pressure was on the burly right-hander to deliver in an Australian side that does not give you many opportunities to perform. And perform he did. Aaron Finch showed the world just what he can do by carting the Scotland bowlers all around the park with a brutal display of power-hitting which signalled the cricket World that there was a new Australian brute in town, and his name is Aaron Finch. He scored a 148 of 114 balls, which was studded with 16 fours and 7 massive hits. Surely the start of a glorious career for the Victorian.
2. Starting the World Cup in style – 135 vs England in Melbourne
With the 2015 World Cup held in Australia, and with the Aussie crowd not wanting anything less than the coveted 5th title, the pressure was on the home side who were opening their campaign against a resurgent England side who were also hoping to make a mark on the tournament. The pressure was also on Aaron Finch, who did not have the best of records in Melbourne. And what better way to kickstart the WC campaign by smashing your bitter rivals en route to a crucial century. In a knock consisting of 12 fours and 3 sixes, Finch’s pyrotechnics ensured that Australia easily bested England, thus laying the groundwork for an unprecedented 5th World Cup.
3. Aaron Finch leaving his mark on the World Cup- 153 vs Sri Lanka at the Oval
Another World Cup year, and this time Australia were under a different type of pressure. The Sandpaper scandal has put an ugly brand on the Aussies, and with Steve Smith and David Warner just returning to competitive action, the onus once again was on Aaron Finch as both captain and opener to ensure that Australia are both competitive as well as aggressive from the outset. And once again Finch delivered.
In an innings that had both class and sheer brute aggression. On an Oval pitch that had assistance for the seamers, Finch was effervescent in an Australian line-up that was still finding it’s bearings in the tournament. Finch effortlessly toyed with the Sri Lanka bowling, battering then to submission en route to a memorable century which ensured that Australia gained further momentum in the World Cup.
Aaron Finch conquering Lords- 100 vs England at Lords
A century at Lord’s is always the pinnacle of a players career, in any format of the game. However, a century at the home of cricket in a key World Cup game, and against your Archrivals, that surely makes it all the more sweet. And Finch had the fortune of experiencing it.
On a difficult pitch against an England attack who had smelt blood, Finch stood tall where the rest of the Aussies faltered. He battled through everything that was hurled at him, and just like a true captain, he ensured that Australia posted a competitive 285 thanks to a captain’s hundred by Finch. It was not a fluent one by any stretch, but a one that displayed the best qualities of Finch as well as this new Australia.
An Australian desert storm- 153 vs Pakistan in Sharjah
Sharjah has never been the easiest of wickets to bat on. Considering that it is one of the smallest grounds in international cricket. On a track which has genuine help and purchase for the spinners, Finch made that Pakistan spin attack look like pedestrians. This happened when he unleashed his full wrath upon them en route to his career best score in ODIs.
Chasing 285 on this tricky wicket, Finch was at his peerless best as he batted through the run-chase, playing the role of anchor and aggressor in equal measure. With the help of 11 fours and 6 Massive sixes, Finch ensured that Australia went through the target on an absolute canter, laying down the foundation for a comfortable clean sweep of Pakistan in their stronghold.
