7 sensational stats to support Glenn Maxwell was, indeed, ‘The Big Show’ in ODI cricket
The man they call The Big Show, Australian international Glenn Maxwell, has announced his retirement from ODI cricket. An icon of the modern game, Maxwell was responsible for one of the greatest ODI knocks of all time when he rescued a floundering Australia against Afghanistan with an undefeated 201 in 2023.
Cramping, hobbling, but swinging with a mixture of class and audacity, Maxwell single-handedly turned a lost cause into a famous win, producing the first double century in men’s ODI cricket while batting at number six. It was the kind of innings that cemented his place not just in Australian folklore, but global cricket history.
While Maxwell has achieved many other milestones in his career, that unforgettable knock in Mumbai is what will likely be remembered the longest. That said, his career was never defined by just one innings. With outrageous talent, unflinching confidence, and a flair for the dramatic, Maxwell has left behind a legacy across all formats.
Maxwell is still available to play T20I cricket for Australia. As we bid farewell to his ODI career, let’s take a moment to look back at some of his greatest highlights.
1. Highest ODI score at No. 6 – 201 not out vs Afghanistan, 2023
There have been some legendary lower-order knocks, but none like this. Coming in at 49/4 in a World Cup match, Maxwell not only stabilized but stole victory from the jaws of defeat, smashing 201* from just 128 balls.
It remains the highest score ever by a number six batsman in ODIs and the first ODI double hundred by an Australian.
2. Fifth most runs from boundaries in ODI innings – 144 from 201
During that same 201* innings, Maxwell bludgeoned 21 fours and 10 sixes, amassing 144 runs purely from boundaries.
That puts him fifth on the all-time list for most boundary runs in a single ODI innings. It wasn’t just power; it was artistry under pressure.
3. Third on list of most catches in ODI Innings – four (twice)
Known as one of the best fielders in the game, Maxwell shares third place on the list of most catches taken in a single ODI innings. He achieved this twice – once against England in 2015 and again against New Zealand in 2017.
Agile, safe-handed, and sharp, he turned games with his brilliance in the field. The record for most catches in an ODI innings is shared between Jonty Rhodes and Harry Brook who each managed five.
Also read: Is Matthew Forde’s 16-ball half-ton among the 9 fastest 50s in ODI cricket?
4. Opened batting and bowling in one Test – vs India, Delhi, 2013
Very few players have the unique skill set to start both innings with the bat and the ball in a Test match. In Delhi, 2013, Maxwell opened both for Australia against India, showing his incredible versatility.
He bowled off-spin to open proceedings and walked out first with the bat—a rare feat in Test history.
5. Second highest ODI career strike rate – 126.70
Maxwell’s brand of fearless cricket translated into consistent explosiveness. With a career ODI strike rate of 126.70, he sits second on the all-time list (min. 1000 runs), trailing only West Indian Andre Russell.
Across 149 ODIs, he brought presence, aggression, and entertainment like few others could.
6. Record eighth-wicket partnership in ODIs – 202 with Pat Cummins
That 201* wasn’t just a solo effort, it came with plenty of support from captain Pat Cummins. Their unbeaten 202-run partnership is now the highest ever for the eighth wicket in ODI history.
For context, Australia was 91/7 chasing 292 when they came together. What followed was a miracle. If you want to know what Cummins contributed to the stand… it was 12 runs.
7. Multiple World Cup titles and match-winning cameos
Maxwell was part of Australia’s 2015 World Cup-winning squad, and a critical player in the 2023 campaign.
While not always leading the stats charts, he regularly delivered match-winning cameos, both with the bat and ball. His versatility made him a crucial weapon in Australia’s white-ball dominance.
Glenn Maxwell’s retirement from ODI cricket closes a thrilling chapter in modern cricket. In an era filled with power-hitters, he stood out for his innovation, audacity, and theatrical brilliance.
Whether playing a reverse sweep for six, taking a one-handed screamer at point, or bowling a crucial over, Maxwell was always in the game. As he continues his T20I journey, fans worldwide will be hoping The Big Show has a few more curtain calls left.