Watson, Faulkner star in Australia's ODI series win

Canberra, Feb 6 (AFP) Shane Watson hit a century on his return from injury and James Faulkner claimed four wickets as Australia beat the West Indies by 39 runs to claim their One-day International series today. Watson, opening the innings after four weeks out with a calf injury, smashed 122 off 111 balls. Supported by 86 from Phil Hughes, he helped Australia reach 329 for seven after winning the toss in the third ODI of the five-game series. The home side then dismissed the West Indies for 290 off 47.3 overs with left-arm medium pacer Faulkner claiming four for 48 -- all bowled -- to achieve another emphatic victory after wins by nine wickets and 54 runs in Perth. Watson reached his seventh ODI century off 102 balls and then set about Kemar Roach, clubbing a huge six logged at 114 metres (374 feet) into the stands. This was followed by a four as he threatened to go on for a big ton on the bat-friendly Manuka Oval pitch. But two balls later Watson holed out to Kieron Pollard, one of four catches to the athletic West Indian, top-edging to deep backward square leg as he went after Roach's second-last ball of his eighth over. It was a welcome return to form for Watson before this month's four-Test tour to India. Hughes, who gave a chance cutting through slip on six, lost the opportunity to make his third ODI century this season when he was caught behind off Darren Sammy for 86. He scored his runs off 93 balls with 10 fours and a six. The West Indies would have had to make history to overhaul the Australian total, with their biggest previous ODI run chase 324 for eight against India at Nagpur in 2006-07. Brothers Darren and Dwayne Bravo gave the tourists early hope with a fighting 114-run partnership for the third wicket before Mitchell Starc bowled Dwayne Bravo middle stump for 51 off 50 balls. MORE (AFP) CM CM 02061712 NNNN