Maxwell gives befitting reply to Gavaskar after hitting fastest World Cup ton

Australia's Glenn Maxwell has finally shown his potential at the ICC World Cup 2023 after a series of low scores in the tournament.

The 35-year-old Maxwell delivered the fastest-ever World Cup century, achieving it in just 40 balls, in a dazzling exhibition of strokeplay.

This remarkable performance led Australia to a commanding total of 399 for 8 against the Netherlands at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Despite registering scores of 15, 3, 31*, and 0 in previous matches, it would be quite a stretch to claim that Maxwell was feeling the pressure as he walked into this game.

Maxwell faced heavy criticism for his dismissal in the last match against Pakistan. He was elevated to the No.3 position after openers Mitchell Marsh and David Warner scored centuries. The strategy was apparent - to launch an aggressive onslaught from the very start.

Renowned Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar was extremely dissatisfied with Maxwell's shot selection. During the pre-match show on Star Sports, Gavaskar, on Wednesday, described the Australian all-rounder as careless.

"It's a matter of ego. I think he was happy at RCB when he was given the No.3 slot. He felt he was important, he needed to make a contribution in every match. Here he is batting at 5, 6, and 7. In cricket, there is a thin line between carefree and careless. He has been on the careless side (in this World Cup) more. That first-ball dismissal against Pakistan, what kind of a shot was that? So clearly, (he was) careless and not carefree," Gavaskar said.

The former Indian captain could not have foreseen that Maxwell would deliver such a resounding performance with the bat approximately three hours later. Maxwell entered the game during the 39th over, right after Australia had lost the wicket of Josh Inglish. However, the combined efforts of David Warner and Steve Smith had already placed Australia in a dominant position, reaching 266/4 with 11 overs remaining to play.

Maxwell finished with 106 off 44 balls, powered by eight sixes and nine fours. "Probably just cleared my head a bit to just go out and play. The situation when Davey and Greeny got out, I had to take it deep a little bit. Patty was good as well. Even if they are banging it into the wicket, I feel I have enough time to go after it. And when they are bowling quick, my hands have to be faster. Just generally try to get it over the infield," Maxwell said after the knock.