Ton-up Maxwell glad to get ‘monkey off back’

Glenn Maxwell said he felt he’d got a “monkey off his back” after his maiden one-day international hundred powered Australia to 376 for nine against Sri Lanka in the World Cup on Sunday. Maxwell’s blistering century at the Sydney Cricket Ground, his first in 43 ODI innings, came off just 51 balls—the second-fastest in World Cup history behind Kevin O’Brien’s 50-ball assault for Ireland against England in Bangalore four years ago. The Australia all-rounder had fallen in the 90s on three previous occasions and on Sunday he was almost out for 93 when wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara, running back, failed to hold a skyer. Maxwell and recalled all-rounder Shane Watson (67) put on 160 for the fifth wicket. “It was nice to get the monkey off the back,” said Maxwell during the change of innings. “I have scored a few 90s so to finally hit the hundred was a relief. The top order set it up beautifully for me and Shane to go berserk at the end.” Lasith Malinga was the pick of Sri Lanka’s attack with two for 59. Sri Lanka will now have to set a new World Cup record if they are to win this match, with the highest winning total by a team batting second in the tournament’s 40-year history Ireland’s 329 for seven against England in Bangalore in 2011.