Bowlers lead Aus to thumping win over WI

Australia crushed West Indies by 113 runs in the opening One-dayer of the five-match series, at the MCG. Australia, after being sent in to bat by Chris Gayle, managed 256 for eight and came back to dismiss the visitors for 143. 

Despite their batting not quite being in its full bloom, Australia's decent 256 appeared monstrous once the Windies lost three wickets in as many overs early in their pursuit.

Chris Gayle took seven runs from Doug Bollinger's first over, but fell in the left-armer's next over, when his skied pull was well caught by Mitchell Johnson running with the flight at mid-off.

Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris showed up the gulf in class when they knocked over Runako Morton and Travis Dowlin cheaply, which broke the backbone of the visitors' batting.

A 64-run stand between Kieron Pollard (31) and Lendl Simmons (29) gave the West Indies some hope, but once the former was caught on the boundary the end came swiftly.

The tourists were all out for 143 in 34.2 overs, which made for an early night for a small crowd of 25,463.

Shane Watson put up an impressive all-round show. First he scored 59 at the top of the order, which was the sole half-century of the match and then returned with bowling figures of 1 for 31 before capping the match with a catch in the deep.

Harris backed up his 13 scalps in three games against Pakistan with another important contribution 3 for 24, while Bollinger finished with two wickets for 18. Spinner Nathan Hauritz too bowled with good effect, picking up three wickets for 28.

Australia will take their 1-0 series lead to Adelaide, where the second ODI will be played on Tuesday.