Key points
- Glenn Maxwell announced his retirement from international cricket on November 3, 2026, at the age of 38.
- Maxwell represented Australia in 286 international matches: seven Tests, 149 ODIs and 130 T20 internationals.
- He scored 3,990 runs in ODIs and 2,897 in T20Is, where his strike rate was 154.42.
- Maxwell was part of Australia's 2015 and 2023 ODI World Cup-winning teams and the 2021 T20 World Cup-winning side.
- His 201 not out from 128 balls against Afghanistan at the 2023 ODI World Cup remains one of his defining performances.
- Maxwell is retiring from international cricket and Victoria's 50-over and four-day competitions but will continue playing franchise T20 cricket, including the Big Bash League for Melbourne Stars.
Glenn Maxwell has brought his international cricket career to an end, signing off from Australia duty after 286 appearances across the three formats. The 38-year-old announced his decision on The Final Word podcast, confirming that he will also step away from Victoria's 50-over and four-day competitions while keeping his franchise T20 career alive.
Known around the cricket world as 'The Big Show', Maxwell leaves behind a career shaped by audacious strokeplay, inventive shot-making and match-changing contributions with both bat and ball. He represented Australia in seven Tests, 149 One-Day Internationals and 130 T20 Internationals, and was part of three major global title-winning campaigns.
A decision shaped by fitness and the next generation
Maxwell explained that he wants to devote more attention to his physical condition so he can extend the playing time he has left in franchise tournaments. He also reflected on the conversations he had with the Australian team management around the future of the T20 side and the opportunities being created for younger players.
Australia's recent selection direction made a return less likely. Maxwell had already retired from ODI cricket in 2025, but remained available for T20 internationals. He was not selected for the upcoming T20 series against England, and the prospect of a final appearance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground did not materialise. Maxwell said he understood the team's decision to give emerging players exposure to international pressure.
His final appearance in Australian colours came against Oman at the 2026 T20 World Cup. Maxwell took two wickets in that match and did not get an opportunity to bat. He has now confirmed that there will be no further international chapter.
The numbers behind the Big Show
Maxwell's international record reflects his importance to Australia's white-ball teams. He scored 3,990 runs in ODIs and 2,897 in T20 internationals. In the shortest format, he struck at 154.42 and took 51 wickets, while his highest T20I score was 145 not out against Sri Lanka in 2016.
One of his rarest achievements was his five T20 international centuries. Only India's Rohit Sharma has also reached five hundreds in men's T20 internationals, placing Maxwell in an exclusive group. Across his international career, Maxwell scored 7,226 runs and took 136 wickets, according to career summaries published after his announcement.
He also played seven Tests, scoring 339 runs, including a century. Although his greatest influence came in limited-overs cricket, his international career extended across all three formats.
World Cup moments that defined his career
Maxwell was part of Australia's ODI World Cup triumphs in 2015 and 2023, as well as the country's T20 World Cup-winning campaign in 2021. His performances in the 2023 tournament in India became a defining part of his legacy.
Against Afghanistan at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, Australia were in deep trouble at 91 for seven while chasing 292. Maxwell, battling severe cramps, produced an unbeaten 201 from 128 balls to take his team to an extraordinary three-wicket victory. The innings included 21 fours and 10 sixes and remains one of the most remarkable individual efforts in ODI World Cup history.
That double century was not his only explosive World Cup display in 2023. He also struck a 40-ball hundred against the Netherlands, setting a record for the fastest century in men's Cricket World Cup history at the time. These performances captured the fearless approach that made him one of the most distinctive batters of his generation.
Franchise cricket continues
Retirement from international and state cricket does not mean Maxwell is leaving the game. He plans to continue in franchise T20 competitions and is expected to play for the Melbourne Stars in the upcoming Big Bash League season. The change gives him the chance to focus on a more selective playing schedule while managing his fitness.
For Australia, Maxwell's departure closes a distinctive chapter in white-ball cricket. He offered a rare combination of power, improvisation, off-spin and athletic fielding, and was capable of changing a match in a short burst. His career included World Cup titles, landmark innings and a style that encouraged batters to explore unconventional options.
The Big Show may no longer wear Australia's colours, but Maxwell's next appearances will come in franchise cricket. His international career ends with 286 matches, three World Cup titles and a collection of performances that will remain part of Australia's modern cricket story.
Frequently asked questions
Why has Glenn Maxwell retired from international cricket?
Maxwell said he wants to invest more time in his fitness and preserve his body for the remaining tournaments of his career. He also discussed Australia's plans to expose younger players to international cricket and said he understood the selectors' direction after recent squad decisions.
How many international matches did Glenn Maxwell play for Australia?
Maxwell played 286 international matches for Australia: seven Tests, 149 One-Day Internationals and 130 T20 Internationals. Across those appearances, he scored 7,226 runs and took 136 wickets, underlining his value as a batting all-rounder across all three formats.
Will Glenn Maxwell continue playing franchise cricket?
Yes. Maxwell is retiring from international cricket and Victoria's 50-over and four-day competitions, but he intends to continue playing franchise T20 cricket. He is expected to feature for the Melbourne Stars in the upcoming Big Bash League season.
What are Glenn Maxwell's major career achievements?
Maxwell was part of Australia's 2015 and 2023 ODI World Cup-winning teams and the 2021 T20 World Cup-winning side. He scored five T20 international centuries, including a career-best 145 not out in the format, and made an unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan at the 2023 ODI World Cup.
What was Glenn Maxwell's last international match?
Maxwell's final appearance for Australia came against Oman at the 2026 T20 World Cup. He took two wickets in that match and was not required to bat, bringing his international playing career to a close before his retirement announcement.
Did Glenn Maxwell hope for a farewell match at the MCG?
Yes. Maxwell said he had held a small hope of playing a farewell T20 international at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against England. He accepted the selectors' focus on younger players after he was not included in Australia's squad for the upcoming series.