Glenn Maxwell Announces Retirement from ODI Cricket: A Glorious 13-Year Journey
Australian cricket has bid farewell to one of its most dynamic and innovative players. On June 2, 2025, Glenn Maxwell announced his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket, concluding a remarkable 13-year career that has left an indelible mark on the sport.
A Career Defined by Innovation and Impact
Glenn Maxwell, affectionately known as "The Big Show," has been a trailblazer in modern cricket. His unorthodox batting style, characterized by reverse sweeps and audacious shots, revolutionized the role of the middle-order batsman. Over 149 ODIs, Maxwell accumulated 3,990 runs at an average of 33.81, including four centuries and 23 half-centuries. Notably, his unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup stands as one of the most memorable innings in ODI history.
Beyond his batting prowess, Maxwell was a versatile all-rounder, contributing 77 wickets with his off-spin bowling and 91 catches in ODIs. His aggressive approach and game-changing performances were instrumental in Australia's successes, including victories in the 2015 and 2023 World Cups.
Maxwell's Decision to Retire
At 36, Maxwell cited the physical toll of repeated injuries as the primary reason for stepping away from ODIs. He expressed a desire to make way for younger talent ahead of the 2027 World Cup, emphasizing that he did not want to hold onto his position for selfish reasons. Maxwell remains available for selection in T20 Internationals, aiming to contribute to Australia's campaign in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Glenn Maxwell's ODI Career Statistics
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | Wickets | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 149 | 3,990 | 33.81 | 4 | 23 | 77 | 4/40 |
Highlights of Maxwell's ODI Career
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Unbeaten 201 vs Afghanistan (2023 World Cup): Maxwell became the first player to score a double century in a World Cup while batting second and at number 6 or lower.
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Highest ODI Batting Strike Rate: With a strike rate of 126, Maxwell holds the record for the highest batting strike rate in ODI history among players with over 2,000 runs.
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Dual World Cup Winner: Maxwell was part of the Australian squads that clinched the 2015 and 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cups.
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Versatile All-Rounder: Contributed significantly with both bat and ball, amassing 77 wickets in ODIs.
Looking Ahead: Maxwell's Future in T20 Cricket
While stepping away from ODIs, Maxwell's journey in T20 cricket continues. He remains a key figure in Australia's T20I lineup, with aspirations to play a pivotal role in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Additionally, Maxwell has signed with Washington Freedom for the upcoming Major League Cricket season, marking his debut in the United States' premier T20 competition.
Conclusion
Glenn Maxwell's retirement from ODI cricket marks the end of an era characterized by fearless innovation and match-winning performances. His legacy will inspire future generations of cricketers to embrace creativity and adaptability in the game. As he transitions to T20 cricket, fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the career of one of Australia's most entertaining and influential cricketers.
