‘The Big Show’ is over: Glenn Maxwell announces retirement from international cricket

Glenn Maxwell (AFP Photo) Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a career in which he entertained fans with his aggressive batting and unusual hitting. Maxwell made the announcement on Tuesday during an episode of The Final Word podcast. His decision also includes his retirement from domestic 50-over and four-day cricket for Victoria.Popularly known as “The Big Show”, Maxwell represented Australia in 149 ODIs, 130 T20Is and seven Test matches. He was part of Australia’s ODI World Cup-winning teams in 2015 and 2023, and also played a key role in the team’s 2021 T20 World Cup triumph.“I will be announcing my retirement from international cricket and domestic games for Victoria in the 50-over and four-day thing, all red ball,” the 38-year-old told The Final Word podcast in an episode released on Tuesday.

He wants to focus on fitness

Maxwell said he wants to pay more attention to his fitness and prepare his body for the remaining tournaments of his career.“It’s probably a time where I probably need to spend a little more time investing in my body to make sure I can handle the remaining couple of tournaments that I have in my career.”He has scored 3,990 runs in ODIs and 2,897 runs in T20 Internationals. His last appearance for Australia came against Oman in the World T20 in Sri Lanka in February.Maxwell also made a special mark in T20 cricket. Along with India’s Rohit Sharma, he remains one of only two players to have scored five international centuries in the format.He also took 128 wickets for Australia in the two shorter formats with his off-spin bowling.

He missed the chance to say goodbye to the MCG

Maxwell retired from ODI cricket last year but was hoping to play one last international match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).However, that possibility ended when Australia announced their squad for the upcoming series against England on Monday. The selectors have focused on younger players in their short format plans.Maxwell admitted he was hoping for a farewell game on his home ground but understood the team’s decision.“I suppose there was little hope or discussion that I could potentially get a knock-out game at the MCG, but I totally understand the direction he’s going with this team,” he said.