ST GEORGE’S (Grenada), June 1: Darren Lehmann hit his fourth One-day International century to help Australia to 247 for eight off 50 overs in the seventh and final game of the one-day series against the West Indies at Queen’s Park here on Sunday.

The 33-year-old Lehmann scored 107 off 109 balls with 10 boundaries and a six to pick the Australians up after a disastrous start to their innings.

Australia lost both openers Matthew Hayden (eight) and Adam Gilchrist (five) to careless shots for 18 runs and skipper Ricky Ponting retired hurt after being struck on the hip by fast bowler Mervyn Dillon.

Lehmann joined in rebuilding stands of 102 with Andrew Symonds (48) and 95 off 84 balls with Brad Hogg (53) to lift the World Cup winners to a competitive total in their last match of their Caribbean tour.

Lehmann was eventually out to a tired shot, holing out to Marlon Samuels in the deep off Chris Gayle in the 47th over to leave the tourists at 228 for six.

Symonds continued his strong series with his 70-ball knock containing four fours before he was caught by Wavell Hinds at deep mid-wicket off Gayle.

Hogg, who needed a big score after a run of meagre totals, hit his second one-day half-century with an energetic 58-ball innings with four boundaries.

But there were signs of staleness and lack of motivation in some of the Australia batting, giving the West Indies a strong chance of winning their third straight match after losing the series with losses in the four opening encounters.

Gayle finished with his best One-day International bowling figures of 5-46 off 10 overs.

Scoreboard

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