SCG star Maxwell thanks his teammate for being there when he was needed most
Maxwell pays tribute to Watson
Glenn Maxwell paid tribute to Shane Watson's calming influence - on and off the park - after celebrating his maiden ODI century.
Maxwell and Watson formed a brutal 160-run stand at the SCG on Sunday, piloting Australia to a 64-run win over Sri Lanka.
Maxwell has been in excellent touch during the World Cup, posting scores of 66 and 88 before reaching triple figures in Sydney.
Related: Magic Maxwell smashes records
However, the 26-year-old suggested he's been struggling personally over the last fortnight, not wanting to go into any detail beyond that.
"He's been there for me over the last couple weeks," Maxwell said of Watson.
"It was a tough couple weeks ... just off the field.
"But he's been there through thick and thin."
Image Id: ~/media/A33747D32DD94E2180774555D0015A85
Glenn Maxwell and Shane Watson embrace in the middle of the SCG // Getty Images
Maxwell, who smashed a ton off 51 balls to set a new Australian record for the fastest ODI century, looked to have a tear in his eye when he brought up the milestone.
He explained he was thrilled to share the moment with Watson.
The Victorian was likewise happy to see Watson break the shackles with a score of 67 off 41 balls after he had been dropped for the preceding game against Afghanistan.
"He played beautifully ... it's just a real special partnership that we could have together," Maxwell said.
"It was just a lot of fun, enjoying each other's success."
Image Id: ~/media/9F6D0118DED54FC7AE94CB98E9A49E75
Allrounder Glenn Maxwell reacts after making his century // Getty Images
Watson was shuffled down the order to No.6 after being recalled to the XI.
Michael Clarke was also full of praise for the way the allrounder responded on the weekend.
"It was how we know he can bat. He's got amazing power," Clarke said.
"He played a big part in helping set the game up in that partnership with Maxi."
Maxwell had to wait 45 ODIs to make his maiden ton, having debuted in 2012.
"Hopefully it sort of opens the floodgates," he said.
Maxwell mixed classical with unorthodox as he attacked every member of Sri Lanka's attack with reckless abandon and staggering success.
"I felt so bad ... it's hard," legspinner Sachithra Senanayake said.
"Maxwell did the damage. At that stage .. we couldn't use the spinners so we had to use the fast bowlers."
Captain Michael Clarke and Man of the Match Glenn Maxwell speak to the media about the 64-run win over Sri Lanka