Australia’s Modern Great Calls Time on ODI Career

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, one of the most explosive and inventive cricketers of his generation, has officially retired from One Day Internationals (ODIs). The 36-year-old announced his decision during a podcast interview, ending a 149-match career that produced some of the most unforgettable moments in the format.

Since making his debut in 2012 against Afghanistan, Glenn Maxwell amassed 3,990 runs in the format at an average of 33.81, and 77 wickets with the ball, winning two ODI World Cup medals for his efforts. But as many who followed his career would agree, numbers alone don’t tell the full story.

He became a household name not just for his runs, but for how he scored them. Glenn Maxwell batted with fearless creativity, often taking bowlers apart with outrageous shot-making. His strike rate of 126.70 is among the highest in ODI history, especially remarkable for someone batting mostly in the middle and lower order.

His career-defining moment came during the 2023 World Cup, when he produced what many are calling the greatest ODI innings ever—a 201 not out against Afghanistan, rescuing Australia from 91 for 7 in a tense chase of 292. It was the first-ever double century in a chase and remains the highest score by a batter outside the top five in ODIs.

Glenn Maxwell also holds the record for the fastest ODI World Cup century by an Australian, smashing a hundred off just 40 balls against the Netherlands.

“I didn’t want to hold onto my spot for selfish reasons,” Glenn Maxwell said. “I’ve always said I wouldn’t step aside unless I thought someone else deserved the chance—and now they do,” he added when explaining his decision to retire.

While stepping away from the 50-over format, Glenn Maxwell has confirmed he will continue playing T20 Internationals and is targeting next year’s ICC T20 World Cup as his next major goal.

With Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell now part of history, Cricket Australia has another monumental task of rebuilding a team in a format it has ruled for decades. All eyes will now be on the next generation and who steps up to fill these massive shoes.