There are cricketers who play by the book. And then there’s Glenn Maxwell, the man who rewrote the book every time he walked to the crease.
In a move that’s both emotional and iconic, Australia’s all-rounder Glenn Maxwell Announces ODI Retirement, bringing the curtain down on a career that was nothing short of spectacular, unpredictable, and unforgettable.
For fans of the 50-over format, this feels like losing the X-factor. For Aussie supporters, it’s the end of an era defined by reverse sweeps, helicopter flicks, out-of-nowhere sixes, and bullet throws from backward point.
Let’s take a moment to break it all down: the stats, the memories, the World Cup miracle, and what this means for cricket’s most explosive showman.
Glenn Maxwell’s ODI Career: A Wild, Wonderful Ride
When Glenn Maxwell made his ODI debut back in 2012, most didn’t know what to expect. Ten years later, he leaves the format having become one of the most feared hitters and most versatile all-rounders of his generation.
Here’s a look at his ODI numbers:
- Matches: 142
- Runs: 3,895
- Batting Average: 35.54
- Strike Rate: 124.82
- Hundreds/Fifties: 4/23
- Highest Score: 201* vs Afghanistan (2023 World Cup)
- Wickets: 65
- Best Bowling Figures: 4/46
- Catches: 60+
Maxwell redefined what an ODI middle-order batter could be. He didn’t just finish games he rescued them, reversed them, and occasionally launched them into orbit.
That 201* Against Afghanistan: The Stuff of Cricketing Legend
If there’s one innings that will forever define Glenn Maxwell’s legacy, it’s the unbeaten 201 in the 2023 ODI World Cup against Afghanistan at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
Australia were 91 for 7, chasing 292. The game looked done and dusted. But what followed was arguably the greatest one-day knock ever played.
Maxwell, battling cramps so severe he could barely stand, pulled off the impossible smacking boundaries while rooted to the crease, reverse-sweeping pacers, and launching Rashid Khan like it was backyard cricket.
The moment he reached his double century with a six on one leg felt like something straight out of a cricket comic book.
This was not just a match-saving knock. It was a cricketing miracle. And fans across India, Australia, and around the world witnessed history.
The Entertainer Who Kept Us Guessing
Maxwell was never conventional. He never needed to be.
He would reverse ramp first ball. He’d bowl off-spin in the powerplay. He’d switch-hit Trent Boult for six. He was a dream for fantasy cricket players and a nightmare for bowlers trying to defend 15 in the final over.
It wasn’t about averages with him. It was about moments.
Like the 95 off 43 vs India in Bengaluru, or the 102 vs Sri Lanka* where he chased down a tricky target single-handedly.
And let’s not forget his fielding lightning-fast reflexes, game-changing direct hits, and circus-worthy catches that left jaws dropped and stumps broken.
Why Maxwell’s ODI Retirement Matters
This isn’t just about a player stepping down. This is about a format losing one of its most unpredictable weapons.
Maxwell wasn’t just part of Australia’s ODI setup he was the secret sauce. In matches where Australia were floundering, he often stepped in with a flurry of boundaries and turned the tide.
From the 2015 World Cup-winning squad to the 2023 campaign where he pulled off the impossible against Afghanistan, Maxwell was always there when the drama peaked.
With his exit, Australia now needs to rethink its middle-order mojo. Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, or even new faces like Aaron Hardie may step up but filling Maxwell’s shoes is a different beast altogether.
The Evolution of the “Big Show”
For years, Glenn Maxwell lived under the nickname The Big Show a label that started out as a compliment but eventually became a weight. Critics questioned his consistency. But over time, he evolved.
In the latter part of his career, Maxwell brought maturity alongside the madness. He picked his moments better, added grit to his glamour, and became one of the most valuable all-rounders in world cricket.
That transformation is what made his World Cup 201* so iconic. It wasn’t just a highlight reel it was a masterclass in restraint, calculation, and timing, layered over raw power.
What Maxwell’s Retirement Means for Fans and Fantasy Players
Fantasy cricket players loved Maxwell for his all-round value. He could bowl 4 overs, bat in the top six, and take a blinder at backward point. He was a multiplier pick that often turned games on its head.
For fans, though, it was about something more that sense of anything could happen. With Maxwell at the crease, the game was never over.
Stadium-goers would lean forward when he walked in. The mood would shift. You could almost hear the electricity.
Will We Still See Maxwell in T20s?
Yes, Maxwell will continue playing T20 Internationals and franchise cricket, including the IPL, BBL, and possibly newer leagues.
He’s already confirmed his availability for T20 World Cups ahead. And let’s be real this format was built for players like him.
So while ODI cricket says goodbye, the fireworks aren’t over. Not by a long shot.
One Last Send-Off from Cricket Recorder
At Cricket Recorder, we’ve followed Glenn Maxwell from his early days as a mercurial talent to his rise as one of the most dynamic cricketers of the modern era. His ODI retirement leaves a gap in Australia’s lineup and in cricket’s entertainment meter.
But more than that, it leaves behind memories of switch-hits, one-handed sixes, miraculous chases, and a fearless spirit that dared to redefine the game.
Thank you, Glenn Maxwell. For every time you made us leap off our couches. For every time you showed us that cricket is not just stats and strategy it’s theatre.
Here’s to the Big Show. Take a bow, Maxi.
Which Glenn Maxwell ODI innings will live in your memory forever? Drop your thoughts and tributes in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the genius, together
