Finch announces BBL retirement, Renegades rope in Edwards

After an illustrious Big Bash League (BBL) career, the 37-year-old Aaron Finch has finally called it a day from the competition after the current season with Melbourne Renegades. Finch’s last appearance for the Renegades was back in 2023, on December 23 against the Hobart Hurricanes. 

"There've been some real lows but great highs [too], and I've loved every bit of the journey. No moment can compare to winning the BBL title,” Finch said. 

“That, for me, was very special, and something I'll remember. I'm really proud to have played at one club for the entirety of my career. 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 team-mates and all who have had a part to play at the club at all levels - thank you."

Finch is currently the seventh-highest run-scorer in T20 history, with 11,458 runs at 33.70 and a strike rate of 138.21. In the BBL, though, he is the second-highest run-scorer only behind Chris Lynn. Renegades’ head coach David Saker, too, heaped praises on the right-hander. 

"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," Saker said. "Everything that's been successful with the Renegades, Finchy has had everything to do with it.

"I first coached Finchy when he captained Victoria's Under-19s, and I've seen him develop as a leader and person. He's a unique type of leader - very tactically aware - while he bases a lot of his decisions on gut feel, and that's a courageous thing to do out in the field."

Renegades rope in Edwards to replace de Kock

Meanwhile, the Renegades have also called-up the Netherlands’ skipper Scott Edwards for the last two clashes in the ongoing BBL season. According to ESPNCricinfo’s reports, the wicketkeeper-batter is travelling from South Africa to Australia, where currently the Dutch side are practising. 

The ‘Gades do not have a specialist wicketkeeper on their side after Quinton de Kock’s departure, having traded Sam Harper to the Melbourne Stars. The 27-year-old qualifies as a local player and was also involved in the setup before the BBL season. 

It will be the first time Edwards will be part of a BBL setup.