Australia take series in the nation's capital

After a 54 run win in the 2nd ODI, Australia once again proved too strong for the West Indies, with a 39 run win in the 3rd ODI in a high scoring chase. In what was the first appearance for the Australian cricket team in Canberra, a run-fest ensued on a batsman's paradise with 619 runs being scored. This followed the 643 runs which were scored in the PM XI's match last week.

Shane Watson in first game back from injury (boy, has that been a heavily used phrase) starred with the bat making an impressive 122. Meanwhile Phillip Hughes continued his great start to his ODI career with an 86. George Bailey followed on from his superb century in Perth, with some big hitting once again, this time with 44 off 22 balls. One moment though in Australia's innings was Kieron Pollard's fielding of the deep mid-wicket boundary. His catch to dismiss the million-dollar man Glen Maxwell was unbelievable. It was an absolute gem. A one-hander for the ages, that will give the Channel 9 commentary team plenty of use for their 'KFC Classic Catches' segment.

The Bravos led the Windies' chase, and at 194/2 things were really looking promising, before Dwayne was dismissed for 51. The fact that Chris Gayle had to come in at 5 (due to time spent off the field in the first innings) also hurt the chase, although with the form that he is in anyway, it might not have had such a profound effect on the result. Darren Bravo was great making 86, before being bowled by fiery James Faulkner who took a career best four wicket haul. Mind you though he has since been fined 10% of his match fee for his send-off of Gayle.

The West Indies have undoubtedly improved since that first match at the WACA, but are still falling short. Hopefully for their sake, they can finish off strong in the remaining two matches. Whereas for Australia, an unassailable lead in the series is just what they wanted, as players start flying off to India for the beginning of a test tour in February/March.

Full scorecard here on Cricinfo - http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia-v-west-indies-2013/engine/current/match/573024.html