Opener Shane Watson says tired legs inspired the history-making explosion of big-hitting which carried him to Australia's highest ever individual score in one-day international cricket.

Watson blasted an unbeaten 185 in 96 balls, as Australia chased down a target of 230 with 24 overs and nine wickets to spare against Bangladesh in Dhaka.

His 15 sixes were the most by any player in an innings, as was his 150 runs in boundaries, which also included 15 fours.

Watson's percentage of his team's score (79.7 per cent) of 1-232 was also the highest by any player in history, surpassing West Indian master blaster Viv Richards (69.48 per cent).

After posting his ton in 69 balls - the third-fastest by an Australian - he hit five more fours and nine more sixes, including four in succession off left-arm spinner Suhrawadi Shuvo.

The blond allrounder said the motivation for his unprecedented hitting spree was simple.

Read more at the Herald Sun ....