Australia escaped from the jaws of defeat to emerge victorious in a thrilling one-run triumph over the West Indies.

After being put into bat, the tourists were made to work hard to put 282 for eight on the board - all-rounder Andrew Symonds leading the way with 87 from just 78 balls.

Many of his team-mates failed to build on decent starts with the bat at Warner Park, but Symonds' timely knock along with 50 from debutant David Hussey set the Windies a testing total.

The hosts set about chasing their victory target of 283 in fine fashion and looked likely to clinch their first win of the series at 188 for two in the 34th over.

Captain Chris Gayle struck 92 and there were also half-centuries for Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

But it was not enough and Chanderpaul's dismissal with the final ball of the penultimate over - with eight runs still required - proved costly as the Windies finished their 50 overs on 281 for six.