Glenn Maxwell retirement from ODIs: Aussie great leaves behind match-winning legacy

Express Tribune

2 days ago

Australian cricket stalwart Glenn Maxwell has announced his retirement from one-day international (ODI) cricket, ending a decorated 149-match career to concentrate on the T20 format.
He will be available for selection at the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
The explosive allrounder, known as much for his unorthodox shot-making as for his underrated off-spin, leaves behind a legacy defined by match-winning brilliance and memorable performances, most notably a heroic 201 not out against Afghanistan at the 2023 World Cup.
Entering at 7-91 with Australia in crisis, Maxwell battled severe cramp and oppressive heat to forge a 202-run stand with Pat Cummins, ultimately guiding his team to victory and into the tournament's final, where Australia overcame hosts India.
Maxwell finishes with a career ODI strike rate of 126, second only to West Indies' Andre Russell, scoring four centuries and 23 fifties while taking 77 wickets.
His influence spanned two World Cup victories and a reputation as one of Australia's most dynamic white-ball players.
'I think back to right at the start—I was picked ahead of my time and out of the blue,' Maxwell said. 'I was just proud to be playing a couple of games for Australia. Since then, I've experienced the highs and lows, being dropped and recalled, playing in World Cups and being part of some great teams.'
Citing the physical demands of ODI cricket and lingering effects from a serious leg injury, Maxwell admitted that his body had begun to struggle with the rigours of the format.
Discussions with selection chair George Bailey led to the decision to step aside.
'I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how my body was reacting,' Maxwell said on the Final Word Podcast. 'We talked about the 2027 World Cup, and I said, 'I don't think I'm going to make that.' It's time to give someone else the chance to own that role.'
Maxwell added that he did not want to linger in the side 'for selfish reasons' and believed it was vital to give selectors a clear picture ahead of future planning.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg paid tribute to Maxwell's impact, calling him 'one of the most exciting and influential' players in ODI history.
'Glenn's ballistic batting has lit up the cricket world,' Greenberg said. 'Crowds have come just to watch him bat, and kids have picked up bats because of him. Australian cricket is indebted to Glenn for his contributions.'
George Bailey echoed the praise, highlighting Maxwell's versatility and longevity.
'His energy in the field, under-rated ability with the ball, and natural talent have made him one of the greats,' Bailey said. 'We're fortunate that he still has so much to offer in T20 cricket.'
Maxwell will continue to play in the Big Bash League and remain available for international T20 duty as Australia builds towards the 2026 tournament.