Australia’s explosive all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has officially announced his retirement from ODI cricket, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable one-day international journey that spanned more than a decade. Maxwell, known for his aggressive batting, dynamic fielding, and handy off-spin, retires with a legacy of match-winning performances and unforgettable moments in Australian cricket history.
Glenn Maxwell Bids Goodbye to ODI Cricket
Maxwell’s decision to step away from ODIs comes after a decorated international career, highlighted by two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup titles in 2015 and 2023. The 35-year-old revealed that the growing physical toll and his desire to focus on shorter formats were key reasons behind the decision. His final ODI came earlier this year in the ICC Champions Trophy clash against India.
“I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how the body was reacting to the conditions,” Glenn Maxwell said during his appearance on the Final Word Podcast. “It’s time to start planning for the future and allow someone else to make that position their own.”
Prioritising T20 Cricket and Domestic Leagues
Glenn Maxwell will now shift his attention to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. With his extensive experience and power-hitting skills, he remains a vital figure in Australia’s T20 setup. He also aims to contribute in the Big Bash League and other T20 leagues worldwide.
Understanding the strategic planning required for future World Cups, Maxwell voluntarily stepped aside to give emerging players a chance to settle into the Australian ODI line-up. “They’re moving in such a clear direction. This gives them the best look at what the team could be like heading into the next World Cup,” he added.
Maxwell’s ODI Legacy: Iconic Knock Against Afghanistan
Among Glenn Maxwell’s many breathtaking innings, none were more iconic than his unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan* in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in Mumbai. Battling severe cramps, Maxwell lifted Australia from a dire position of 91/7 while chasing 293. His heroic double-century was not only a personal best but also one of the greatest ODI innings ever played.
With a strike rate of 126.70, Maxwell retires with the second-highest strike rate among batters with over 1000 ODI runs. His aggressive style revolutionized the role of the middle-order finisher in modern-day ODIs.
Glenn Maxwell’s ODI Retirement: Key Career Stats
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| ODI Debut | August 2012 |
| Matches Played | 149 |
| Total Runs | 3,990 |
| Batting Strike Rate | 126.70 |
| ODI Centuries | 4 |
| ODI Half-Centuries | 23 |
| Wickets Taken | 77 |
| ICC World Cup Wins | 2015, 2023 |
| Final ODI Appearance | vs India, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 |
From Surprise Selection to Australian Mainstay
Maxwell’s rise in ODI cricket started with a surprise selection in 2012, a move he described as unexpected. “I think back to right at the start—I was picked ahead of my time and out of the blue. I was proud just to be playing a couple of games for Australia,” he recalled.
What followed was a career filled with highs and lows, comebacks, and moments of brilliance. Maxwell was dropped and recalled multiple times, yet his ability to turn matches with both bat and ball made him a consistent presence in Australia’s ODI strategy.
What Lies Ahead for Glenn Maxwell
While Glenn Maxwell’s ODI chapter has come to an end, his cricket journey is far from over. With a renewed focus on T20 cricket, Maxwell is expected to play a major role in shaping Australia’s fortunes in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Fans can also look forward to his fireworks in the Big Bash League and other T20 leagues across the globe.
Maxwell’s retirement from ODIs marks the end of an era for Australian cricket. However, his contributions to the white-ball game, especially in key World Cup moments, have firmly etched his name among Australia’s greatest modern-day all-rounders.
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