Michael Hussey, stand-in captain for Ricky Ponting, led Australia's rearguard act with a maiden hundred as the world champions posted 273 for six against West Indies in the fourth ODI of the DLF Cup tri-series at the Kinrara Oval, Kuala Lumpur on Monday.

• Scorecard

Thirty-one-year old Hussey cracked an unbeaten 109 to rescue his team from some early setbacks. The left-hander, playing in only his 41st ODI, forged a 166-run partnership with Brad Haddin, which was instrumental in Australia's recovery from 104 for five at one stage.

Hussey hit 10 fours and three sixes in his 90-ball knock while Haddin was equally aggressive, slamming three fours and four sixes in his innings of 70.

Matthew Hayden, playing in his first match of the tour, made a solid 49 and the Queensland opener steered the Australians out of early trouble when they were reduced to 64 for four.

Hussey and Haddin accelerated superbly in the closing overs, the last seven overs producing 73 runs.

At one stage, Haddin scored a six each in three successive overs, two off Marlon Samuels and one off Chris Gayle.

Hussey on the other hand unleashed his big shots against the seamers, Jerome Taylor (1-53) and the versatile Dwayne Bravo (2-52).

Earlier, Australia rested Ponting, Damien Martyn and Glenn McGrath to give Hussey, Hayden, Brett Lee and Andrew Symonds their first outing in the series.