Aus vs WI 1st ODI - Confident Australia Take on Under-strength West Indies

Melbourne: West Indies skipper Chris Gayle has boldly predicted a 4-1 win over Australia for his side in the ODI series, starting at the MCG on Sunday. Because he proved the Test series with contrasting hundreds in Adelaide and Perth.

The one-day format suits Gayle even better and 146 from 89 balls against the Prime Minister's XI was a handy warm-up. He hasn't made an ODI century against Australia but given the form he's in, this is the perfect opportunity.

Despite having lost the three-Test series against Australia late last year, Gayle said his side is fully motivated for series against the hosts.

"It's not intimidating to be honest with you, we're going to beat them 4-1. So, not to worry," The Courier Mail quoted Gayle, as saying.

The Windies are missing a glut of injured experienced players, but Gayle said this series provided the chance for the region's young players to shine.

"The Aussies are a good team and they played well against Pakistan, but they are beatable. We have been watching the series and we have seen what the Australians have to offer," Gayle said.

"On our side, we have a lot to offer. We have depth and we have players who are capable match-winners. Everyone knows what is required," he added.

It will be interesting to see whether Ryan Harris can continue his remarkable form against a new opponent. Harris burst on to the scene with back-to-back five-fors against Pakistan and was so impressive that he was named Player of the Series despite not playing the first two matches.

Team news

Australia's selectors face a decision over which in-form fast bowler to leave out. Doug Bollinger is back in the squad after resting for the final two ODIs against Pakistan, while Harris, Clint McKay and Mitchell Johnson are all in good form.

Squad (from): Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Nathan Hauritz, James Hopes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Clint McKay, Shaun Marsh, Shane Watson and Cameron White.

West Indies: Opportunities for several new faces. Wavell Hinds arrives in Melbourne the night before the game and is unlikely to be rushed into the side. Of the team that beat the Prime Minister's XI, the most likely change is Runako Morton to replace Narsingh Deonarine.

Squad (from): Chris Gayle (capt), Narsingh Deonarine, Travis Dowlin, Wavell Hinds, Nikita Miller, Runako Morton, Brendan Nash, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Darren Sammy, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith and Gavin Tonge.

Pitch and conditions
The fast surface encountered by Australia and Pakistan for Friday's Twenty20 will provide encouragement to the likes of Kemar Roach and Johnson. The forecast for Sunday in Melbourne is mostly sunny with a maximum temperature of 29C.

Stats and trivia

• Australia's record at the MCG in recent years is poor - they have won only one of their past six one-day internationals at the venue.
• In 25 ODIs between the teams at the MCG, West Indies have won 13 to Australia's 10. But there have been two distinct eras: West Indies dominated until 1988 but have beaten Australia just once in an MCG one-dayer since then.
• The last time Australia lost an ODI to West Indies was in the 2006 Champions Trophy.

Match facts
Sunday, February 7, 2010 (day/night)
Start time 14:25 local (03:25 GMT)