Cricket Australia have lost a gem in the form of Glenn Maxwell, who has announced his retirement from the 50-over format with immediate effect. The 36-year-old was a true icon for the national side and played an instrumental role in scripting some of Australia's memorable wins, most notably their unbelievable three-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, he has assured that he will be available for selection in the T20I and aims to prolong his career in the shortest format until next year's T20 World Cup.

See also: Joe Root: England’s Greatest Batter of All Time

Maxwell drops a bombshell by announcing his ODI retirement

The swashbuckling all-rounder made his retirement public in a long-form interview on the Final Word Podcast on Monday. Maxwell cited physical burnout as the major reason behind withdrawing from this format. He further admitted that the workload had become unbearable, especially during Australia's CT 2025 campaign.  

"I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how my body was reacting to the conditions. I had a good chat with [Australia chair of selectors] George Bailey, and I asked him what his thoughts were going forward. 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."

The Victoria-based cricketer becomes the latest Australian cricketer to announce ODI retirement, following Steve Smith. Although Maxwell has not officially called time on his Test career, the chances of him making it to the Test squad appear very slim. 

A look at Maxwell's glorious ODI career

Maxwell primarily batted in the middle order and has usually played the role of a hard-hitter. Equipped with a wide range of shots in his armoury, Maxwell was a very handy prospect with the ball as well, with four four-wicket hauls under his belt. As far as his batting is concerned, his numbers are astonishingly impressive. In 149 ODI games, Maxwell amassed 3990 runs at an average of 33.81 with four centuries under his belt.

Besides, Maxwell's strike rate of 126.7 is the second-best strike rate achieved by any batter in ODI cricket after Andre Russell. One of the most defining knocks that amplified his glorious cricketing career was in the 2023 World Cup, where he saved his side from a humiliating defeat against Afghanistan in Mumbai. With Australia reeling at 91-7, Maxwell rode his luck and played a once-in-a-lifetime innings of 201* to steer Australia home. In the process, he also became the first and only Australian batter to score a double ton in ODI cricket.