Voges ton sees Australia whitewash West Indies

Melbourne, Feb 10 (AFP) Australia bowled out West Indies for 257 to secure a 17-run victory and a 5-0 whitewash in their one-day international series today, thanks to a century from stand-in Adam Voges. West Indies had looked on target to chase down a 275-run target at the MCG when Johnson Charles struck his maiden century to match Voges, who scored a magnificent unbeaten 112. The West Indian opener struck a boundary to bring up his 100 off 120 balls, including eight fours and a six. But he fell next ball, caught by Ben Cutting at square leg playing a poor shot to Clint McKay. He had ridden his luck, surviving two dropped catches and two television reviews. After that West Indian wickets fell regularly as the required run rate soared and they were forced to hit out. Captain Darren Sammy had a late chance to guide the tourists to the target but he was caught behind by Brad Haddin off McKay for 23 off 18 balls. West Indies still needed 18 runs off five balls and it proved too much. Opener Kieran Powell had been the first to go, caught in the slips by Aaron Finch off paceman Mitchell Johnson for just two. Darren Bravo managed 33 in a partnership of 106 with Charles before all-rounder James Faulkner held a fine low catch off Xavier Doherty's finger spin. Brother Dwayne had made 13 when Johnson clean-bowled him with a late inswinger. After Charles went, Narsingh Deonarine was out for four, caught Haddin bowled Cutting. Devon Thomas smashed 19 off 18 balls but was run out by Shaun Marsh. Big-hitting Kieron Pollard, who made a century in Sydney on Friday, holed out for 45, caught by Finch at long on off Faulkner. Voges, batting at number five, had earlier steadied the Australian innings after a disastrous start and went on to complete his ton off 98 balls. MORE (AFP) CM KHS 02101823 NNNN