KEY POINTS
- Maxwell retires after 149 ODIs, scoring 3,990 with four tons
- His final ODI came in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final
ISLAMABAD: Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has announced his immediate retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) to concentrate on next year’s ICC T20 World Cup.
The 36-year-old, who played in 149 ODIs, amassed 3,990 runs at an average of 33.81, including four centuries and 23 half-centuries. He also developed into a handy off-spinner, claiming 77 wickets.
Cricket Australia confirmed in a statement that Australia’s semi-final defeat to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marked Maxwell’s final ODI appearance.
During the tournament, he scored 39 runs across two innings and picked up two wickets.
Marcus Stoinis’ retirement
Maxwell joins Steve Smith in stepping away from ODI cricket following the Champions Trophy, with Marcus Stoinis having announced his retirement from the format before the tournament began.
According to the statement, Maxwell cited the “physical toll of ODI cricket” as a major factor in his decision, particularly with two years remaining until the next World Cup.
“I felt I was letting the team down a bit with how my body was responding to the conditions,” Maxwell said on the Final Word podcast. “I had a good chat with (Chair of Selectors) George Bailey and asked for his thoughts going forward.
It’s been described as the greatest innings in the history of One Day International cricket. Glenn Maxwell’s miracle double century while injured propelled Australia into the World Cup semi-finals and the batsman they call the Big Show into the history books. #GlennMaxwell #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/4zLtDa9Tr7
— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) November 8, 2023
Sacrificing for team
“We discussed the 2027 World Cup, and I told him, I don’t think I’ll make it that far. It’s time to start preparing players in my role to step up and make it their own. Hopefully, they’ll have enough time to settle into the position,” Maxwell said.
“I’ve always said I wouldn’t give up my place unless I genuinely felt it was the right time. I didn’t want to just hang on for a few more series for selfish reasons.”
“The team is clearly heading in a specific direction, and this gives them the best chance to shape the line-up for the next World Cup. I know how vital that planning phase is.”
One of Maxwell’s most iconic ODI innings—widely regarded as one of the greatest ever—came during the 2023 World Cup, when he scored a heroic 201 from 128 balls.
Battling severe cramps, he led Australia from a dire 91-7 to chase down a target of 293 against Afghanistan.