THE lengthy embrace shared between Glenn Maxwell and Shane Watson at the SCG on Sundaynight had nothing to do with the man they call the Big Show finally breaking through for the first hundred of his career.

Maxwell has experienced some heartache in his personal life over the past couple of weeks, and it was Watson who was right there to support him.

Watson has been on the international circuit now for 15 years and has experienced ups and downs of his own in his personal life.

The 33-year-old has been there for Maxwell to counsel him on the difficulties of dealing with happenings in your personal life when you are on the road and away from family and friends.

Maxwell had to wipe tears from his eyes as he finally lifted his head from Watson’s shoulder, and the celebration symbolised the special bond the pair have shared.

“It was a massive weight (off) and obviously having Watto out there,” said Maxwell.

“He’s been there for me over the past couple of weeks. It’s been a tough couple of weeks but he’s been there for me through thick and thin.

“I just shared a little special moment with him out there and hopefully it opens the floodgates a little bit and I can stop getting out in the 90s.

“It was a real special partnership that we could have together. It was just a lot of fun, enjoying each other’s success at the same time.”

Watson is often viewed as a polarising figure, but his support for Maxwell is the latest example of the personality he is behind the scenes.

Last night Watson’s big night with the bat saw him donate $2300 of his own money to finding a cure for Motor Neurone disease.

Maxwell’s hundred was the fastest ever by an Australian in a ODI. He missed the chance to break Kevin O’Brien of Ireland’s 50-ball record for fastest World Cup 100, when he took a single and a leg bye from his 49th and 50th balls. His century came in 51.

Asked after the game if he knew O’Brien’s mark was in sight Maxwell said he did not. But he was well aware of James Faulkner’s Australian record of 57 balls because Faulkner was fond of reminding everyone about it at every opportunity.

Sick, Bro.

NEW Zealand’s team has been struck by illness ahead of their final World Cup group game against Bangladesh.

media_camera Pass it on ... Some New Zealand players are feeling ill.

Coach Mike Hesson was reluctant to provide details but said “two or three” unnamed players felt unwell following their six-wicket win over Afghanistan in Napier.

He wouldn’t describe the symptoms but admitted to uncertainty over their availability for Friday’s game against Bangladesh in Hamilton.

“We’ve got a few guys who are a bit ill today, so hopefully they recover in time,” he said.

“I know at least two or three are down so we’ll see how they scrub up.”

Smith’s messy divorce

FORMER South Africa captain Graeme Smith has hit back at reports claiming he accidentally told his wife he wanted a divorce via text message.

South African newspaper the Sunday Times claims Smith mistakenly sent his wife of four-and-a-half years, Morgan Deane, a SMS meant for his lawyer.

media_camera Graeme Smith denies his wife found out about divorce via text message.

The report also quotes friends of the couple who have accused Smith of ‘abandoning his family’ in favour of spending time with his friends at the Cricket World Cup.

Smith was quick to release a statement expressing his dismay with what had been reported.

“It is disappointing that certain segments of the media have chosen to publish speculation and accusations as regards the means and manner of our marriage breakdown,” he said.

“Naturally it is tempting to respond, however other than to deny the accusations that have been published, I have chosen not to comment. Hopefully people will respect that.

“My intention remains to act with dignity and respect throughout this process for the wellbeing of my children and my family.”

Afghans hounded by travel

If Afghanistan could, they’d have a few strong words for their travel agent.

The cricketing minnows have been traipsing across Australasia with such frequency that no sooner have they touched down in one city than they’re taking to the air for another trip across the Tasman.

Dunedin one day, Perth the next, then Napier. Next stop Sydney. No wonder their heads were spinning at McLean Park as they slipped to a six-wicket loss to Cricket World Cup contenders New Zealand.

Captain Mohammad Nabi was loathe to use it as an excuse in the wake of the loss, and coach Andy Moles refused to do so prior to the match but said it had been a taxing itinerary for the associate ICC member.

“Every single match, the next morning we have a 10 to 12-hour flight. It is quite difficult to play,” he said.

But as they prepare to face a struggling England in Sydney on Friday, Nabi is ratcheting up the pressure on them.

“England, also, are in trouble at the World Cup,” he said.

World Cup behind bars

The inmates of a prison in the Indian city of Guwahati have successfully argued in the High Court that watching the World Cup is part of their fundamental human rights.

The India Today website reports, the High Court backed the plea and ordered that a cable connection be laid within five days. Justice Arup Kumar Goswami while delivering the verdict said: “Prisoners need recreation for a healthy mind.”

Prisoners have been able to watch India’s matches on state run TV but the majority matches are on pay TV.

Lawyers representing the prisoners had argued that television was part of the “right to life and personal liberty” set out by India’s constitution, India Today reported.

“The ruling only applies to “under trial prisoners” — those whose case has not yet been heard.

“It remains to be seen if the whole of India will now petition that the chance to watch the World Cup is a right they cannot fairly be denied.”

Pakistan’s continuing civil war

They are the problem child of the World Cup and even victory can’t keep the lid on internal squabbling.

Reports are rife in Pakistan of a fallout between coach Waqar Younis and wicketkeeper batsman

Sarfraz Ahmed.

Sarfraz was left out of Pakistan’s opening matches but returned to play a starring role in the surprise defeat of South Africa.

Waqar called journalists “stupid” for having the temerity to question a decision not to pick Sarfraz earlier in the tournament.

The player, at least, is trying to play peace maker.

“I have all the respect for our coach Waqar Younis and all the reports, rumours are unwarranted,” he told in an interview available on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) website on Sunday. “The team was united and not only looking forward to qualify for the quarterfinal, but play in the final,” he remarked.

Pakistan is on course for a quarterfinal against Australia.