Glenn Maxwell: Australia All-Rounder Retires From ODI Cricket

Australian allrounder Glenn Maxwell has officially announced his retirement from One-Day Internationals (ODIs) on Monday. The 35-year-old, known for his explosive batting, electric fielding, and crafty off-spin, leaves behind a legacy filled with unforgettable moments, two World Cup titles, and one of the greatest innings the format has ever witnessed.

Maxwell’s decision, he says, is about clarity — both for himself and for Australian cricket. With an eye firmly on the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, and to better manage his body post a serious leg injury, Maxwell chose to step aside from the 50-over format.

“I think back to right at the start I was picked ahead of my time and out of the blue. I was just proud just to be playing a couple of games for Australia. I thought I was just going to have that," Maxwell said in a statement released by Cricket Australia.

“Since then, I have been able to go through the up and downs of being dropped, being brought back, playing in a few World Cups and being a part of some great teams.”

Prolific Career Marred By Injuries

Since making his debut in 2012, Maxwell went on to represent Australia in 149 ODIs, scoring over 3,900 runs at a staggering strike rate of 126 — the second-highest in ODI history behind only Andre Russell — along with four centuries, 23 half-centuries, and 77 wickets. But no performance captured the imagination quite like his 201* against Afghanistan at the 2023 World Cup in Mumbai.

Coming in with Australia tottering at 91 for 7, Maxwell defied searing heat, excruciating cramps, and the odds themselves, forging an unthinkable 202-run partnership with Pat Cummins (12*) to chase down 293. It was the highest score ever in an ODI run chase and is widely regarded as the greatest innings in the format’s history. Australia would go on to win that World Cup, defeating hosts India in the final.

“I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how my body was reacting to the conditions,” Maxwell revealed during The Final Word Podcast. “I had a good chat with (Chair of Selectors) George Bailey and I asked him what his thoughts were going forward.”

“We talked about the 2027 World Cup and I said to him, ‘I don’t think I am going to make that. It’s time to start planning for people in my position to have a crack at it and make the position their own’. Hopefully they get enough of a lead-in to hang onto that role.”

Reflecting on his journey, Maxwell was characteristically humble. “I think back to right at the start — I was picked ahead of my time and out of the blue. I was just proud just to be playing a couple of games for Australia. I thought I was just going to have that,” he said. “Since then, I have been able to go through the ups and downs of being dropped, being brought back, playing in a few World Cups and being a part of some great teams.”

Australian cricket's top brass were unanimous in their admiration for Maxwell’s contributions.

“Congratulations to Glenn on what has been one of the most exciting and influential one-day international careers in the format’s history,” said Todd Greenberg, Chief Executive of Cricket Australia. “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.”

Greenberg added, “As with other greats of the game, crowds have flocked to grounds just to watch Glenn bat and children have been inspired to pick up a bat after seeing him put opposition attacks to the sword with a breathtaking array of shots. 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.”

Chair of selectors George Bailey, who shared Maxwell’s retirement discussions, was effusive in his praise.

“Glenn will be known as one of the one-day game’s most dynamic players, who had key roles in two ODI World Cup victories,” Bailey said. “His level of natural talent and skill is remarkable. His energy in the field, under-rated ability with the ball and longevity has been superb. What else stands out is his passion for and commitment to playing for Australia.”

“Fortunately, he still has much to offer Australia in the T20 format. All things going well, he will be pivotal in the next 12 months as we build toward the World Cup early next year.”