By Rohit - Jun 02, 2025 05:32 PM
Australian cricket star Glenn Maxwell has officially retired from One Day International (ODI) cricket, drawing the curtain on a dynamic and unforgettable 13-year career. From jaw-dropping innings to record-shattering stats, Maxwell’s time in ODIs left an indelible mark on the game. As he steps away from the 50-over format, here are 10 key facts every cricket fan should know about his decision and the incredible legacy he leaves behind.
Here is the top 5 must-know Maxwell facts in ODI cricket
Maxwell’s ODI career spanned from 2012 to 2024, during which he played 149 matches, scoring 3,990 runs at an average of 34.13. Known for his aggressive strokeplay and fearless batting, he quickly became a game-changer in Australia’s middle order. He didn’t just build innings, he redefined how to finish them.
Maxwell ends his career with a batting strike rate of 126.70, the highest in ODI history among players who have scored at least 2,000 runs. This stat alone is a testament to his explosiveness, innovation, and ability to shift the momentum in minutes. No one scored quicker, and few entertained more.
Maxwell was part of Australia’s World Cup-winning teams in 2015 and 2023, contributing significantly in both tournaments. Whether with bat, ball, or in the field, he brought energy and flair to the global stage. His 2023 heroics, particularly the double century against Afghanistan, cemented his status as a tournament legend.
One of the greatest ODI innings of all time, Maxwell’s 201 against Afghanistan* during the 2023 World Cup is already folklore. Battling cramps, pain, and the pressure of a near-certain defeat, Maxwell single-handedly pulled off a miraculous chase. In his own words from his 2024 autobiography, The Showman, it was his "Where were you when..." moment, on par with Steve Waugh and Michael Bevan’s most iconic feats.
Maxwell’s retirement wasn’t sudden or forced by injury. It was a calculated and selfless decision. Speaking on The Final Word podcast, he revealed he had told chief selector George Bailey during the Champions Trophy in February that he didn’t see himself lasting until the 2027 World Cup.
“I said to him right then and there, 'I don't think I'm going to make that.' I think it's time to start planning for people in my position,” Maxwell said.
This clarity and foresight underscore Maxwell’s team-first mindset even in stepping away.
Maxwell has had his fair share of injuries, but it was the toll of 50-over cricket on his body that ultimately pushed him to retire. He admitted that during the Champions Trophy, particularly after a game in Lahore and a soaked fielding outing against Afghanistan, he realized the physical demands were no longer sustainable.
Importantly, Maxwell has not retired from all formats. He will continue playing for Australia in T20 Internationals, where his aggressive style is a natural fit. He also hasn’t ruled out first-class cricket completely. Fans can still expect to see plenty of “The Big Show” lighting up stadiums globally.
Maxwell’s departure adds to a significant transition period in Australian cricket. In recent months, David Warner, Steve Smith, and Marcus Stoinis have also stepped away from the 50-over format. With multiple pillars of the team now gone, Australia faces the challenge of rebuilding their ODI squad ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
While most headlines focus on Maxwell’s batting, his bowling and fielding contributions were just as impactful. With 77 ODI wickets at an average of 47.32, he was a handy off-spinner who often broke crucial partnerships. In the field, he was arguably one of the best fielders of his generation, fast, agile, and with a rocket arm.
More than stats or silverware, Maxwell's legacy lies in how he played the game. He brought innovation, reverse sweeps over the third man, flicks for six, and no-look shots. He brought entertainment highlight-reel catches, high-octane innings, and relentless energy. And most importantly, he brought the idea that a player could win games from any position, in any conditions, on any day.
Glenn Maxwell's ODI retirement is a significant moment in Australian cricket, the end of a thrilling era filled with chaos, magic, and unmatched excitement. As he bows out from the 50-over arena, cricket fans around the world can only be thankful they got to witness him in full flight.
His 13-year ODI career was anything but ordinary, and though he's stepping aside, his influence will linger in every fearless stroke, unorthodox shot, and electrifying fielding display that the next generation delivers.
Maxwell may be gone from ODIs, but The Show is far from over.
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