Glenn Maxwell has called time on his one-day international career, drawing the curtain on a glittering chapter in Australian cricket. With 149 ODIs behind him, the allrounder steps away from the 50-over format to concentrate on Australia’s campaign for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, alongside stints in the Big Bash League and other global T20 competitions.
Best known for transforming games with bat, ball, and sheer audacity, Maxwell leaves with a strike rate of 126—the second-highest in ODI history, only behind West Indies’ Andre Russell. His tally of four centuries, 23 half-centuries, and 77 wickets doesn’t fully capture the chaos and charisma he brought to the format.
His most talked-about performance came in Mumbai, at the 2023 World Cup. Australia were tottering at 7 for 91 against Afghanistan. Maxwell, battling searing heat and excruciating cramps, crafted an unbeaten 201 from 128 balls. With Pat Cummins holding one end for 12 runs, Maxwell carved out a 202-run partnership, dragging his team over the line to 293. Australia would go on to win the tournament, beating hosts India in Ahmedabad.
Reflecting on his journey, Maxwell said he was initially surprised to be picked. “I was just proud just to be playing a couple of games for Australia. I thought I was just going to have that,” he told The Final Word Podcast. “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.”
But time and injury have caught up. Maxwell suffered a serious leg injury not long ago, and the demands of 50-over cricket were beginning to wear him down. He noticed it most starkly during the last Champion’s Trophy.
“I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how my body was reacting to the conditions,” he said. After speaking with Chair of Selectors George Bailey, Maxwell made the call. “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’.”
He added, “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.”
Maxwell’s choice is as much about timing as it is about legacy. At 35, he still has much to offer in the T20 format and will be central to Australia’s hopes in next year’s tournament. His departure from the ODI scene also opens space for new talent to bed in ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Todd Greenberg paid tribute, saying: “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.”
“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.”
George Bailey, who first picked Maxwell over a decade ago, praised his impact. “Glenn will be known as one of the one-day game’s most dynamic players… 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.”
Maxwell departs ODI cricket on his own terms—a rare feat—and leaves behind a highlight reel unmatched in flair. His next chapter might be shorter in format, but expectations remain just as high.
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