BBL 2023-24: Watch - Aaron Finch Gets Guard Of Honor From Melbourne Stars In His Final Outing

Melbourne Stars players hogged the headlines for their heartwarming gesture for Melbourne Renegades player Aaron Finch, who is playing his last game. The Melbourne derby, which is also match 36 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24 is taking place at the Docklands Stadium in Melbourne. 

The game also marks the farewell match of the great Aaron Finch. The batter will be hanging up his boots after the ongoing game. He received a huge ovation from the crowd as he stepped up on the crease in the first innings after Melbourne Renegades opted to bat first. 

After Melbourne Renegades restricted Melbourne Stars to a total of 137 runs, Aaron Finch was asked to open the innings. Melbourne Stars team made sure that they gave the best of the farewell to the batter as when he walked out to bat, they gave him a guard of honor. 

Here’s the video: 

For the final time…

Aaron Finch walks out to bat in the Big Bash. #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/jmmQi3n0cY

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 13, 2024

Earlier, ahead of the game, Melbourne Renegades arranged a special entrance for Aaron Finch. They also retired the jersey No.5 in the batter’s honor. This was the first time in the history of the league when a franchise retired a jersey number for a player. 

Aaron Finch has been a legend for the Melbourne Renegades in the league. He has been part of the franchise since the start of the league and is the highest run-getter for them. The batter overall is the second leading run-getter in the tournament with 3311 runs in 107 matches at an average of around 34. He also has hit two tons in the league. 

Aaron Finch also captained Melbourne Renegades for a decent amount of time and led them to their only title victory during the season 2018-19. He played a huge role in making the franchise one of the most successful teams in the leagues. 

Aaron Finch ahead of playing the final match of his career expresses his emotions as well. He highlighted 13 years of his career playing for the team and admitted that it would make him sad once he stepped out for the final time. 

BBL 2023-24: Watch – Aaron Finch Gets Caught By His Best Friend Glenn Maxwell In His Last Innings

Aaron Finch, however, didn’t have a fairytale ending with the bat. The batting maestro bagged a three-ball duck. He got out in the third over of the innings. Joel Parris bowled a length delivery just outside off to which the batter came down the track. 

Aaron Finch tried to cut the movement of the ball and the ball seemed to stop on him as he looked to slap it over the off-side. The ball caught the top edge of the bat and was caught by his best friend Glenn Maxwell, who took an easy catch at mid-off. 

As Aaron Finch walked off the field, he received a standing ovation from the crowd. The batter appreciated the fans in the stands by raising his bat as he took the long walk back to the pavilion. His last innings in the cricket lasted just for three balls. 

Here’s the video:

The end of a fabulous career.

Aaron Finch is dismissed in his farewell match, caught by his great mate, Glenn Maxwell. #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/J38pyUIATE

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 13, 2024