Glenn Maxwell slams 'horrible' move as detail divides cricket world

Glenn Maxwell shone in Australia's Cricket World Cup win over the Netherlands on Wednesday, striking the fastest World Cup century in just 40 balls but it was the shining lights that was his post-match talking point. The record-breaking all-rounder slammed the mid-match light show as "the dumbest idea" with 'The Big Show' seen covering and rubbing his eyes during the pounding sounds and strobing lights in between innings.

Maxwell said the spectacles cause him “shocking headaches”. “Well, I had something like that light show happen at Perth Stadium during a Big Bash game,” Maxwell said after his man-of-the-match performance.

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“And I just felt like it gave me shocking headaches and it takes me a while for my eyes to readjust and I just think it’s the dumbest idea for cricketers. So I just try and cover up as much as I possibly can and ignore it but it’s a horrible, horrible idea. Great for the fans, horrible for the players.”

Maxwell's century against the Netherlands came off just 40 balls - easily eclipsing the previous record for the fastest World Cup ton of 49 balls held by South Africa's Aiden Markram. The all-rounder's fireworks overshadowed David Warner becoming Australia's outright leading century-maker in ODI World Cups after hitting 104. The veteran opener posted his sixth ton in the 50-over format's premier tournament, going past Ricky Ponting's five.

Warner took to social media after the match to go against Maxwell's call to ban the light shows, throwing his support behind them. “I absolutely loved the light show, what an atmosphere. It’s all about the fans. Without you all we won’t be able to do what we love,” he wrote.

Warner is often seen playing up to the crowd and has been witnessed on numerous occasions dancing in the outfield in between overs. He has also been full of praise for the crowd and culture, saying earlier this month that India's "people, food and hospitality is always amazing".

Pat Cummins hails 'complete game' from Aussies

Cummins post-game said he thought the Aussies had put together the "complete game" against the Netherlands, after notching a third straight win to cement the fourth spot in the group stage standings. Having lost their opening two games, the Aussies are now building momentum ahead of Saturday's blockbuster showdown against second-placed New Zealand.

Australia's 309-run victory was the biggest winning margin in World Cup history, bettering the nation's 275-run thumping of Afghanistan in 2015. Dutch bowler Bas de Leede copped the brunt of Maxwell's punishment, finishing with figures of 2-115, in what are the most expensive figures in ODI history.

Spinner Adam Zampa, who equally held the previous record for worst figures with former Australian paceman Mick Lewis, collected his third-straight four-wicket haul as the Dutch lost 5-6 to end the innings. After a poor first two games, Zampa (4-8) has shot to the top of the tournament's wicket-takers list with 13.

Marnus Labuschagne, who could soon lose his spot to Travis Head, hit 62 from 47 balls for his best score of the World Cup. Smith also chimed in with a timely half-century of his own to leave the Aussie skipper beaming.

"That's just about the complete game, as good as I could have hoped for," Cummins said. "We're starting to play to our potential, playing the style that we like to always talk about."

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