Third one-day international, Sydney:
Australia 225 (49.5 ovs) v West Indies 6-0 (1 ov) No result
Match scorecard

West Indies' celebrations were cut short by the Sydney weather

West Indies' hopes of gaining a foothold in the one-day series against Australia were ruined by bad weather.

The tourists bowled out Australia for 225 but faced only one over in reply, reaching 6-0, before persistent rain prevented a result in Sydney.

After heavy defeats in the first two matches, West Indies must now win the remaining two to draw the series.

Ravi Rampaul (4-61) and Dwayne Smith (3-45) were the pick of the West Indies attack at the SCG.

Michael Clarke top-scored for Australia with 46, while Ryan Harris's 21 from nine balls ensured the hosts reached a respectable total.

West Indies benefitted from four byes and two wides in reply as Doug Bollinger tried too hard to capture the wicket of Chris Gayle for the third time in as many matches.

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But the players left the pitch at 7.14pm local time and returned two hours later, only for the rain to fall again after just one ball. The game was officially abandoned at 9.28pm, with most of the 21,784-strong crowd having left.

West Indies had included Wavell Hinds and Darren Sammy in their line-up, while Australia lost Shaun Marsh to a back injury in the warm-up and left out Clint Mackay, Brad Haddin and Shane Watson.

Windies skipper Gayle won the toss and asked Australia to bat first, a decision vindicated when Tim Paine became the first man out, bowled for 16 as he played across the line to Rampaul.

He was soon joined in the pavilion by fellow opener Adam Voges, out for eight to a contentious lbw decision off Smith's bowling.

Ricky Ponting and Clarke's 48-run partnership steadied the Australian ship before the Australian skipper edged Sammy onto his middle stump and departed for 22 .

Cameron White was the next man to go after an unconvincing 17, but after a brief rain interlude, Michael Hussey (44) and James Hopes (30) propelled the Australians towards 200.

But they fell within four runs of each other, and were quickly followed by Nathan Hauritz (three) and Mitchell Johnson (one) before Harris brought the crowd to their feet with some massive hitting in the final over.

He smashed three consecutive fours off Rampaul before sending the fourth ball over the fence. His innings ended next ball, however, when he holed out to Kieron Pollard at long on.

Australia have recalled all-rounder Shane Watson to the squad for Sunday's fourth ODI in Brisbane, in place of the injured Marsh.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch explained: "While it was initially planned for Shane to miss games three and four, it was decided that with potential opening batsman Brad Haddin having his workload managed, the best course of action was to bring Shane back one game early.

"With James Hopes in the squad, we'll also be able to manage Shane's bowling workload if required at the Gabba."

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