Veteran allrounder cherishes SCG partnership with in-form Victorian
Maxwell moment to stay with Watson
Shane Watson has won a Cricket World Cup final and an Ashes series with Australia, and also pocketed back-to-back Allan Border medals.
All will rank as career highlights when he decides to end his cricket career, but Watson has revealed a 160-run partnership with Glenn Maxwell in this month's World Cup pool fixture against Sri Lanka will also hold a special place in his heart.
Quick Single: Watson making most of new World Cup life
Watson celebrated his recall with a knock of 67 in that match, while Maxwell belted his maiden ODI century off just 51 balls.
Maxwell's marvellous World Cup
Speaking to reporters after setting a new mark for the fastest ODI ton by an Australian on March 8, Maxwell opened up about how Watson helped him deal with some recent personal issues.
"He's been there for me over the last couple of weeks," Maxwell said of Watson.
Maxwell had tears in his eye when he hugged Watson upon reaching three figures.
"The experience I had with Glenn out on the field is one of the most amazing experiences I've had," Watson said in the lead-up to Australia's quarter-final against Pakistan in Adelaide.
"I know it's been something that he's been always trying to do - score a one-day hundred.
"To be able to share that with him, it's definitely one of the most special moments that I'll cherish for my whole career."
Image Id: ~/media/953005D9793348E7B4D5E89D4EE2AFE1
Maxwell and Watson running between the wickets in Sydney // Getty Images
Watson, who has dealt with countless injury setbacks in an international career that started in 2002, added that he was "extremely grateful that Glenn saw me as a person he could come and chat to".
"It's really nice to be able to see when you can make a little bit of a difference with someone, who is then able to really show it out on the cricket field," he said.
Watson described Maxwell's innings as "incredible".
"He never took on someone in the outfield," the allrounder said.
"He was always into the gaps, so even if he mis-hit the ball it still went for four.
"That shows he's got incredible skill to be able to hit the ball wherever he wants."
Maxwell and Watson will both be hoping for another productive partnership at Adelaide Oval on Friday.
"We know this is a danger game for us because they can come on and just turn it on," Watson said of Pakistan.