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Glenn Maxwell, one of Australia’s most explosive and influential cricketers, has officially announced his immediate retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs). The 36-year-old all-rounder made this decision during a long-form interview on the Final Word Podcast, citing the physical toll that ODI cricket has taken on his body, particularly following a serious leg injury in 2022. While Maxwell has decided to step away from the 50-over format, he will continue to represent Australia in T20 Internationals and is expected to remain a crucial part of the national squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Maxwell’s announcement follows a string of recent retirements in Australian cricket, including that of fellow World Cup winner Steven Smith. Although the all-rounder has not officially retired from Test cricket, his return to the red-ball format seems unlikely, with his focus now shifting to shorter formats of the game.
Physical Toll and Decision to Step Away
Maxwell explained that the decision to retire from ODIs wasn’t taken lightly, especially given his deep commitment to the game. “I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how my body was reacting to the conditions,” Maxwell shared. After speaking with George Bailey, the chair of selectors, Maxwell admitted that he didn’t foresee himself being able to play in the 2027 World Cup, and it was time to allow younger players to make the position their own.
“I always said I wasn’t going to hand my position over if I felt like I was still good enough to play. I didn’t want to just hold on for a couple of series and almost play for selfish reasons,” Maxwell emphasized. He believes stepping aside now will provide Australia with the clarity needed for future planning, particularly leading up to the 2027 World Cup.
Legacy of Impactful Performances
While Maxwell’s ODI statistics—3,990 runs at an average of 33.81 and 77 wickets at 47.32 in 149 ODIs—may seem modest on paper, his impact on the game, particularly in crucial moments, was immense. Known for his blistering strike rate of 126.70, Maxwell remains second only to Andre Russell in terms of ODI strike rate among players with over 2,000 runs.
One of his most memorable knocks came during the 2023 World Cup in India, where he scored an unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan. This match-winning innings not only made him the first Australian to score a double century in ODIs but also the first-ever double-century by a non-opener in a chase. It remains one of the greatest individual performances in the history of ODI cricket.
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Maxwell also holds the record for the fastest century in ODI World Cup history, having scored a ton off just 40 balls against the Netherlands in 2015. His blazing batting has earned him a place among the game’s most electrifying players.
Memorable Matches and Performances
Maxwell’s ability to deliver match-winning performances in high-pressure situations is another hallmark of his ODI career. One standout moment came in 2020 when he, alongside Alex Carey, played a pivotal role in chasing down 303 runs against England in Old Trafford, securing the series for Australia after a dramatic collapse. Maxwell’s 108 off 90 balls was instrumental in the victory, marking one of his favorite memories in international cricket.
His bowling, often overshadowed by his batting, was also vital in key tournaments. Maxwell was Australia’s frontline spinner during the 2015 World Cup and again served as a key support bowler in the 2023 World Cup, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 4.81.
In one of his most iconic moments as a bowler, Maxwell delivered a double-wicket maiden against Pakistan in 2014, defending just two runs in a nerve-wracking finish. His electric fielding was also a key part of his skill set, earning him a reputation as one of Australia’s finest all-round fielders.
Tributes to Maxwell’s ODI Legacy
Following Maxwell’s announcement, George Bailey, Australia’s chairman of selectors, praised his overall contribution to the game, particularly in ODIs. “Glenn’s ballistic batting has lit up the cricket world and been one of the cornerstones of Australia’s continued success in the 50-over game, including his heroic role in the 2023 World Cup triumph,” said Bailey. His aggressive and fearless approach to the game has inspired countless fans and young players to take up cricket.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg also lauded Maxwell’s impact, expressing excitement about his continued focus on T20 cricket. “Australian cricket is indebted to Glenn for his ODI exploits and excited that he will now focus on our quest to win the ICC T20 World Cup next year.”
Future Plans: T20I Focus
Maxwell is currently recovering from a fractured finger sustained during the Indian Premier League (IPL) but is expected to return to action within a couple of weeks for the Major League Cricket in the United States. He is also likely to be named in Australia’s squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series in the Caribbean starting on July 20.
Maxwell’s retirement from ODIs marks the end of a remarkable chapter in his career, but his journey in international cricket is far from over. The Australian all-rounder remains a vital cog in Australia’s T20 machinery, and his unique skill set will continue to shine on the world stage in the shortest format.
