Watson racks up a century of appearances in winning fashion

• Last Updated: February 07. 2010 8:14PM UAE / February 7. 2010 4:14PM GMT

Shane Watson marked his 100th one-day international (ODI) appearance for Australia in style as he helped them to a dominant 113-run win over the West Indies in Melbourne in the opening match of their five-match series.

The opening batsman top-scored with 59 in Australia’s total of 256 for eight, then bowled well as he took the wicket of Lendl Simmons to helped restrict the tourists to 143.

“Well it’s a really special moment to be able to get to 100 games,” Watson said. “It’s something that seemed a long, long way off the last couple of years. To be able to play 100 games and then contribute the way I did today is always nice as well.”

Chris Gayle, the West Indies captain, said: “The damage is already done so it’s back to square one. We’re looking forward to Adelaide now so hopefully we can square the series and get back in the series as quickly as possible.”

The second match begins tomorrow in Adelaide.