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Skipper Ricky Ponting scored an unbeaten 57 as Australia coasted to an eight wicket win over West Indies on Sunday to take a 2-0 lead in the seven-match one-day series.

The win was set up by a flawless bowling performance, spearheaded by paceman Glenn McGrath who took 4-31 to help skittle West Indies out for just 163 in 49 overs on a good batting wicket.

Australia replied with 166 for two, openers Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden barely breaking sweat in a half-century stand at Sabina Park.

West Indies's hopes were briefly revived when Gilchrist (22) was caught at deep square leg from a Corey Collymore delivery.

Ponting took the crease and initially checked the hard-hitting instincts of Hayden until the target was within closer range.

With victory in sight Ponting began using his wristy strokes to full effect, including one mighty six over the covers off the luckless Mervyn Dillon.

Hayden (51) continued to clock up runs, but was caught at the long-on boundary just one ball after reaching his half-century.

Man-of-the-match McGrath and fellow pace bowler Brett Lee had given the West Indies a lesson in tight bowling, including a stream of highly accurate yorkers.

McGrath was relieved to put in a good performance after his on-field row with West Indies' batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan on Monday, which was described by Australian cricket chief James Sutherland as an 'ugly incident'.

Tough Week

"This has been a tough week, and one I'd rather forget," McGrath said. "It was a learning experience, but I am glad to be back in the news for something good."

Lee took 2-22 off seven overs, while Andy Bichel collected the scalps of West Indies skipper Brian Lara and dangerous opener Chris Gayle.

Ricardo Powell top-scored for the hosts with 32.

Australia have won 19 consecutive one-day internationals and their last nine one-day meetings with the West Indies.

"This is something I imagine (our opponents) think about more than us, but obviously we would like to continue the winning streak a bit longer," said Ponting.

West Indies skipper Brian Lara said his side had been let down by poor batting.

"We will keep searching for the right opening combination… I can promise that there will be an improvement in the next game in St Lucia," he said.

The third match is on Wednesday.

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What do you think about the story? Read what others have to say: Number of User Comments: 7 Sub: aussies fan from india superb, beating any team at their home is simply superb...aussies r the real champs.... cheers for aussies...keep it up Posted by pritesh Sub: re Ponting This is an message to Ponting.If ur's is really a great team come to India and win test series.We have Sachin who can blast ur ... Posted by Nagendra Kumar Sub: cowardly approach From the last few matches of the Aussies, it appears that the opponents go into the match with a losers frame of mind thinking that ... Posted by Rudranil Sub: Unbeatable Austra-Lions-Indian perspective There seems to be no way any of the international teams can think of beating Australia. One team which has given them hard time is ... Posted by Nishit Kirolikar Sub: give em the credit Aussies hav been playing well. The fact remains that they are the undisputed leaders of international cricket. Before disputing their greatness and asking them to ... Posted by Sunil