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Australian limited overs great Glenn Maxwell has called time on his decorated one-day international career to focus on next year’s T20 World Cup and domestic competitions as injuries begin to take their toll.
The explosive all-rounder announced his retirement from ODIs on Monday after 149 matches that included arguably the greatest innings of all time in the format.
Maxwell amassed 3,990 runs at an average of 33.81 with four centuries, including an unbeaten double ton that lifted Australia to a critical victory over Afghanistan at the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
Australia’s World Cup hopes were on the brink of collapse when Maxwell arrived at the crease with the then five-time champions 91 for seven and well short of their 292-run target.
Maxwell partnered with Pat Cummins in an incredible 202-run partnership with the all-rounder blasting 10 sixes and 21 boundaries in his 201 not out from 128 balls.
The Australia captain contributed only 12 runs to the unbroken partnership as Maxwell took control and turned match-winner with a series of unconventional strokes while suffering from severe cramp in the stifling Mumbai heat.
Australia reached Afghanistan’s target with 25 balls to spare and went on to defeat the highly fancied India in the final in Ahmedabad.
“I think back to right at the start I was picked ahead of my time and out of the blue,” Maxwell said. “I was just proud just to be playing a couple of games for Australia. I thought I was just going to have that.
“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.”
Maxwell ends his 13-year ODI career with the second highest strike-rate of all men’s batters at 126.7, only behind West Indian powerhouse Andre Russell on 130.22.
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The 36-year-old has also been a dangerous off-spinner with 77 wickets in ODIs and best figures of four for 40 against India in Rajkot as Australia fine-tuned for the 2023 World Cup.
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“Glenn will be known as one of the one-day game’s most dynamic players, who had key roles in two ODI World Cup victories,” said George Bailey, Cricket Australia’s chair of men’s selectors.
“His level of natural talent and skill is remarkable. His energy in the field, underrated ability with the ball and longevity has been superb.”
Maxwell will continue to be available to play T20s for Australia as well as in the Big Bash League and for other commitments around the globe.
“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,” said CA chief executive Todd Greenberg.
“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.”
