Glenn Maxwell to focus on T20 cricket after calling time on his one-day international career
Star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has called time on a memorable one-day international career, saying he wanted to avoid playing on for 'selfish reasons'.
The 36-year-old big-hitting batsman and off-spin bowler made 149 ODI appearances for Australia, with his 50-over format career including two World Cup triumphs.
Maxwell's strike rate of 126 is the second highest in ODI cricket, with his statistics including four hundreds – including his heroic 201 not out from 128 balls against Afghanistan at the 2023 World Cup – 23 half-centuries and 77 wickets.
However, it was in field where Maxwell felt his standards were starting to slip, which had led to his ODI retirement.
'I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how body was reacting to the conditions,' Maxwell told the Final Word podcast.
'I had a good chat with (chairman of selectors) George Bailey, and I asked him what his thoughts were going forward.
'We talked about the 2027 (ODI) 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'.
'I always said I wasn't going to hand my position over if I felt like I was still good enough to play. I didn't want to just hold on for a couple of series and almost play for selfish reasons.
'They are moving in such a clear direction, so this gives them the best look at what the line-up is leading into that next World Cup. I know how important that planning is.'
Bailey said Maxwell still had '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 (T20) World Cup early next year,' 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.'
Cricket Australia chief executive officer Todd Greenberg praised Maxwell for 'one of the most exciting and influential one-day international careers in the format's history'.
'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.' Greenberg said.
'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.'
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