Cricket: Ponting inspires Australia

Ricky Ponting was in sparkling form against the West Indies yesterday, scoring 106 off 112 balls. Photo / Getty Images

BRISBANE - The stage was set for a record run chase at the Gabba last night as Australia did their best to breath life into the besieged one-day format.

What happened next threatened to become a Valentine's Day massacre.

Set a daunting 325 to win, the West Indies could only manage 274-8 as Australia clinched the five-match series with a game to spare.

Reduced to 146-6 in the 31st over, the Windies' pedestrian chase briefly came to life through Keiron Pollard (62 off 55 balls) and Dwayne Smith (58 not out off 63).

But their 102-run, seventh-wicket stand proved too little, too late for the tourists.

Skipper Ricky Ponting's sparkling 106 off 112 balls had earlier lifted Australia to a record one-day international total at the Brisbane ground – 324-7.

The previous best was 303-4 by India in 2004.

He set the platform with Cameron White (63 off 78 balls) in a 131-run, third-wicket stand before late fireworks from James Hopes (42 off 21).

Australia's batting display was a welcome shot in the arm for the one-day format which has come under fire following Twenty20`s runaway success.

But it proved a hard act to follow.

While skipper Chris Gayle (34 off 21) showed intent, the crowd sensed the Windies charge was over when he was caught behind off his bogey man Doug Bollinger (2-44) in the seventh over judging by their groans.

Narsingh Deonarine (53 off 69) showed some resistance, reaching his maiden ODI half century by thrashing Nathan Hauritz to the boundary - but next ball he was caught by Ryan Harris at long off.

Pollard - who survived a stumping chance on 50 - then combined with Smith - dropped on three - but the run rate required had already climbed to 13 an over.

A crowd of 20,088 were at the 40,000-capacity Gabba - another disappointing one-day turnout this summer.

January's clash between Australia and Pakistan at the same venue drew just 19,758 - the smallest crowd for a one-day international at the Gabba in its current configuration, which dates back to the late 1990s.

Earlier, White shared in a pivotal stand with his captain but didn't have it all his own way at the Gabba.

Known for his big hits, the Victorian found himself on the receiving end after being struck not once but twice while batting.

White was struck in the back of the head by a Kieron Pollard bouncer on 35 but remained at the crease after treatment.

The Victorian allrounder then copped it on the arm by a Windies return as he attempted a quick single.

Australia lost 3-26 - including their skipper - as they went for quick runs before Hopes and Mike Hussey (23 off 17) returned fire.

Darren Sammy - a replacement for injured quick Kemar Roach (ankle) - claimed 2-44 off eight overs for the Windies and Dwayne Smith 2-59 off eight overs.

Watson played after Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke was rested for the match, but is expected to return for the dead rubber in Melbourne on Friday.

- AAP