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

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a career in which he entertained fans with his aggressive batting and unusual shots. 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.Maxwell, popularly known as 'The Big Show', represented Australia in 149 ODIs, 130 T20Is and seven Test matches. He was part of Australia's 2015 and 2023 ODI World Cup-winning teams and also played a key role in the team's T20 World Cup triumph in 2021."I'm going to be announcing my retirement from international cricket and domestic games for Victoria in the 50 over and the four-day stuff, red ball completely," the 38-year-old told The Final Word podcast in an episode released on Tuesday.Wants to focus on fitnessMaxwell said he wants to give more attention to his fitness and prepare his body for the remaining tournaments in his career."It's probably a time where I probably need to spend a little bit more time investing in the body to make sure I can get through the remaining couple of tournaments I've got in my career."He scored 3,990 runs in ODIs and 2,897 runs in T20 internationals. His last appearance for Australia came against Oman at the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka in February.View this post on InstagramA post shared by The Final Word (@finalwordcricket) Maxwell also made a special mark in T20 cricket. Along with India's Rohit Sharma, he remains one of only two players to score five international centuries in the format.With his off-spin bowling, he also picked up 128 wickets for Australia in the two shorter formats.Misses chance for MCG farewellMaxwell had retired from ODI cricket last year but was hoping to play one final international match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).However, that possibility ended when Australia announced its squad for the upcoming series against England on Monday. The selectors have focused on younger players in their short-format plans.Maxwell admitted that he had hoped to get a farewell match at his home ground but understood the team's decision."There was, I suppose, a small hope or discussion that I might have been able to potentially get a send-off game at the MCG, but I can completely understand the direction they're going with this squad," he said.