Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell officially declared his instant retirement from One-Day International (ODI) cricket on Monday. The 36-year-old has chosen to play only T20 cricket in the future and is likely to stay with Australia’s T20 team until at least the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Workload and Injury Overshadow Decision
Maxwell’s decision comes shortly after Australia’s exit from the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final earlier this year and follows the retirement of fellow two-time ODI World Cup champion Steve Smith from the 50-over format.
In an open interview with the Final Word Podcast, Maxwell stated that a leg injury he experienced in 2022 was a major factor in limiting his workload. Finding fitness and balancing formats has also grown more crucial as he seeks to extend his career in the shorter forms of the game.
Remarkable ODI Career Statistics and Moments
During his ODI journey, Glenn Maxwell featured in 149 matches, amassing 3,990 runs at an average of 33.81, while also contributing with the ball by taking 77 wickets at an average of 47.32. His influence on Australian cricket has been gigantic, and He finished with an astonishing strike rate of 126.70—ranking second in ODI history among players with 2,000+ runs, just behind Andre Russell.
Maxwell’s ODI record comprises four-century scores that are as sweet as honey to remember, most prominent among them being his unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan at the 2023 World Cup in Mumbai. The knock went down in history as the first double century by an Australian while chasing, and also the first-ever by a non-opener under those circumstances. Maxwell’s heroic knock came with Australia reeling at 91/7 while pursuing a 292-run target.
Record-Breaking Performances
Maxwell etched his name in the record books with the fastest-ever ODI century in World Cup history, blasting a hundred off just 40 balls against the Netherlands in Delhi. He also earned the honor of recording the fourth-fastest ODI century of all time with a blistering 51-ball hundred against Sri Lanka in the 2015 World Cup held in Sydney.
Another display of his prowess was in 2020 at Old Trafford when Maxwell, with Alex Carey, led a stunning 303-run chase against England. Maxwell’s 108 off 90 balls came in handy as Australia fell to 73/5.
Contributions to the Ball
Although Maxwell is mainly renowned for his explosive batting, bowling has also been equally crucial in key tournaments. Maxwell played a key role as Australia’s main spinner during the 2015 World Cup and later impressed again in the 2023 edition in India, serving as the secondary spinner while maintaining an excellent economy rate of 4.81.
Summary
Glenn Maxwell stepping away from ODI cricket signals the close of a dynamic and unforgettable era in Australian cricket. His aggressive batting, handy spin, and match-winning skills have left an everlasting impression on the game. With a new focus on T20 cricket, audiences can expect even more electrifying performances from this wonderful all-rounder in the shortest of formats.