Despite its batting never really clicking, Australia's 8-256 appeared monstrous once the Windies lost three wickets in as many overs early in their pursuit, including their big-hitting skipper Gayle.

Gayle took seven runs from Doug Bollinger's first over, but fell in the left-armer's next over, when his skied pull was well caught by Mitchell Johnson running with the flight at mid-off.

Bollinger and Ryan Harris showed up the gulf in class when they knocked over Runako Morton and Travis Dowlin cheaply, which broke the backbone of the visitors' batting.

A 64-run stand between Kieron Pollard (31) and Lendl Simmons (29) gave the West Indies some hope, but once the former was caught on the boundary the end came swiftly.

The tourists were all out for 143 in 34.2 overs, which made for an early night for a small crowd of 25,463.

Australia's Shane Watson's great all-round game included 59 at the top of the order he was the only batsman to post a half-century a return of 1-31 and a catch in the deep.

Harris continued his rapid rise in the national one-day side with 3-24 after 13 scalps in three games in the series against Pakistan, while Bollinger finished with 2-18 and spinner Nathan Hauritz 3-28.

Australia will take its 1-0 series lead to Adelaide, where game two will be played tomorrow.

Gayle conceded he should have not have tried such a big pull shot so early in the innings given the value of his wicket.

''The wicket was a bit two paced to be honest and maybe I shouldn't have looked up at the stars so early,'' he said.

''I should have looked for a few more but I thought the shot was on.''

Watson was named man of the match and was pleased he could have such an impact in his 100th one-day game for his country.

''It's something that seemed a long, long way off the last couple of years, to play 100 games, and then to contribute the way I did today is always nice,'' he said.