Australia's Glenn Maxwell retires from ODIs to focus on T20 World Cup preparations

The explosive batter and off-spin bowler played 149 ODI matches for Australia including what is regarded by many the greatest one-day innings of all-time.  

The 36-year-old Maxwell came in against Afghanistan at the 2023 World Cup with his side reeling at 91-7. In a high-pressure situation and battling severe cramp in searing heat, Maxwell took control. 

Maxwell's 202-run partnership with Pat Cummins, who made 12, got Australia to the 293-run target. Maxwell made 201 from just 128 balls.  

He bows out of 50-over internationals having scored 3990 runs at an average of 33.81 and taken and 77 wickets at 47.32.

Maxwell said the physical toll of ODI cricket, on the back of a potentially career ending leg injury, was beginning to affect his ability to field at his best, which he sensed at the Champion's Trophy, with another two years until the next ICC ODI World Cup.

"I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how body was reacting to the conditions. I had a good chat with (chair of selectors) George Bailey and I asked him what his thoughts were going forward," he told the Final Word Podcast.

"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 and make the position their own'. Hopefully they get enough of a lead-in to hang onto that role.  

"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.  

"They are moving in such a clear direction so this give them the best look at what the line-up is leading into that next World Cup. I know how important that planning is."

Maxwell has made the decision to prioritise his preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, the Big Bash League and his other global commitments.  

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said: "Congratulations to Glenn on what has been one of the most exciting and influential one day international careers in the format's history.  

"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.  

"As with other greats of the game, 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.  

"Australian Cricket is indebted to Glenn for his ODI exploits and excited that he will now focus on our quest to win the ICC T20 World Cup next year."