Australian cricket star Glenn Maxwell has officially announced his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs), drawing the curtain on a memorable career that spanned over a decade. Known for his explosive batting, inventive shot-making, and dynamic all-round abilities, Maxwell leaves the 50-over format as one of the most entertaining and impactful cricketers of his generation.
Maxwell’s ODI journey began in 2012, and over the course of 149 matches, he scored close to 4,000 runs and claimed 77 wickets. His aggressive batting style, coupled with useful off-spin and electric fielding, made him a crucial asset in Australia’s white-ball setup. Whether he was accelerating the innings with innovative strokes or breaking partnerships with the ball, Maxwell was always in the heart of the action.
One of the most iconic moments of his ODI career came during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, where Maxwell etched his name into cricket history. Against Afghanistan, he produced a once-in-a-lifetime innings, scoring an unbeaten 201 — the highest-ever individual score by a batsman at number six or lower in ODI cricket. What made the innings even more remarkable was that he battled cramps and back spasms throughout, often relying on sheer willpower and hand-eye coordination to power boundaries. That innings not only saved Australia from defeat but also symbolized Maxwell’s unique ability to deliver under pressure.
In the same tournament, Maxwell also smashed the fastest century in World Cup history, reaching three figures off just 40 balls against the Netherlands. These performances helped Australia build momentum during the tournament and reminded the world of Maxwell’s match-winning abilities.
But Maxwell was far more than just a power-hitter. Maxwell’s versatility allowed him to play different roles as needed — whether stabilizing the innings, finishing with a flourish, or even contributing with the ball. His off spin often provided crucial breakthroughs, and his agility in the field saved countless runs over the years. Few players in the modern era matched his all-round contributions in white-ball cricket.
Beyond statistics, Maxwell brought flair and unpredictability to the Australian side. He played the game with freedom and joy, often trying things that few others would dare. Whether it was a reverse sweep for six or an audacious switch-hit, Maxwell made the extraordinary look routine.
Reflecting on his ODI career, Maxwell expressed pride in his achievements and gratitude for the support he received from teammates, coaches, and fans. Maxwell acknowledged that the time was right to step away from the format, especially with the next World Cup years away and a desire to focus on T20 cricket and other pursuits.
Maxwell’s departure from ODIs marks the end of an era. He walks away not just with records and trophies, but with a legacy of fearless cricket and unforgettable moments. As he now channels his energy into the T20 format and franchise leagues around the world, fans can still look forward to many more fireworks from the “Big Show.” For ODI cricket, though, it’s goodbye to one of its most colorful and entertaining characters.