Glenn Maxwell, celebrated for crafting one of the most remarkable innings in One Day International (ODI) cricket, has decided to retire from the 50-over format. However, the 36-year-old remains available for T20 Internationals and is keen to contribute to Australia’s campaign in next year’s T20 World Cup.
Maxwell’s announcement aligns him with Steven Smith, another two-time ODI World Cup victor, after Australia’s departure in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy. Despite not officially retiring from Test cricket, Maxwell is likely heading towards the end of his red-ball career.
During a candid interview on the Final Word Podcast, Maxwell disclosed that the physical demands of ODI cricket have become overwhelming, especially after his leg injury in 2022. “I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how my body was reacting to the conditions,” he confessed. Discussions with Australia’s chief selector George Bailey influenced his decision, as they acknowledged the necessity to prepare new talent for the 2027 World Cup.
By stepping down, Maxwell opens opportunities for emerging players to cement their roles. “I always said I wasn’t going to hand my position over if I felt I was still good enough to play. I didn’t want to just hold on for a couple of series and play for selfish reasons,” Maxwell explained.
Maxwell’s ODI career was rich, even if his statistics—3,990 runs at an average of 33.81 and 77 wickets at 47.32—might not fully reflect his impact. He joined the ODI scene prematurely, given his limited experience of just 14 domestic List A matches, but early signs of brilliance, like hitting the fastest fifty in Australian domestic cricket back in 2011, hinted at his potential.
His ODI strike rate of 126.70 is second only to Andre Russell’s, and no one with over 2,000 runs has surpassed his strike rate of 117.05. Maxwell’s intensity as a finisher was evident, averaging 33.81 with striking efficiency and amassing four centuries. His legendary unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan at the 2023 World Cup—Australia’s first ODI double century in a chase—stands out. Batting at No. 6 with Australia on 91 for 7 chasing 292, he delivered a masterclass. Reflecting on this innings, Maxwell shared, “I’m extremely fortunate that I was able to have my moment,” recognising it as the pinnacle of his hard work.
