Explosive batsman Glenn Maxwell announced his international retirement Tuesday after being overlooked for Australia's upcoming Twenty20 series against England. The mercurial 38-year-old, who had not played a Test since 2017, called time on his one-day career last year but kept the door open for T20s.
He has not been picked since the World Cup in Sri Lanka in February, with selectors bypassing him for a series against Bangladesh in June. Maxwell was again overlooked for the squad named Monday to play England in November, with a host of younger players instead preferred.
"A little bit sad and a little bit inevitable too, but I'm announcing my retirement from international cricket," Maxwell said on the Final Word podcast. "We probably had numerous discussions before and after the T20 World Cup," he added of talks with selectors.
"And it was pretty open-ended. There wasn't any pressure from Australia team management, and we decided to sort of leave the door open.
There was a small hope or discussion that I might have been able to potentially get a send-off game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against England. But I can completely understand the direction they're going with this squad."
Maxwell played 130 T20 internationals, blasting 2,897 runs with a strike rate of 154.42, leaving as Australia's third-highest run-scorer after David Warner and Aaron Finch. While he only played seven Tests, he featured in 149 ODIs, crunching 3,990 runs.
The veteran all-rounder has been a cornerstone of Australia's white-ball setup for over a decade. His ability to change the course of a game in a matter of overs made him a fan favorite globally.
His retirement marks the end of an era for Australian limited-overs cricket. Maxwell also called time on his first-class career with Victoria, but will continue with the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League (BBL).
"I'm grateful for the time I was able to play for my country," he said. Cricket Australia officials praised his contribution to the sport, noting his match-winning performances in various International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments.
His departure leaves a significant void in the middle order that the selectors are now looking to fill with emerging talent. Fans and fellow cricketers have taken to social media to pay tribute to the 'Big Show', acknowledging his unique style and impact on the game.
Despite the disappointment of not getting a final farewell match, Maxwell remains at peace with his decision. As he transitions into the next phase of his career, Maxwell's focus will now shift entirely to franchise cricket, where he remains a highly sought-after player.
His legacy as one of the most innovative and destructive batters of his generation is firmly secured.