Andrew Symonds struck a timely 87 as Australia were made to work for their total of 282 for eight in the fourth one-day international against West Indies on Friday.

The big-hitting all-rounder needed just 78 balls to compile his knock at Warner Park but many of his team-mates failed to build on decent starts with the bat.

Symonds shared a 127-run fifth-wicket partnership with David Hussey - standing in for injured skipper Ricky Ponting - to rescue the tourists from a tricky position at 129 for four.

The debutant helped himself to 50 off 51 before the Windies snaffled four late wickets.

The hosts won the toss and chose to field and Daren Powell pegged Australia back after a promising start by removing Shane Watson - whose century inspired the tourists to victory in the third one-dayer - and fellow opener Shaun Marsh.

Watson made 24 off 22 balls before, having just been softened up by a bouncer, he was tempted into a drive by a Powell inswinger and flicked an inside edge through to wicketkeeper Dinesh Ramdin.

And the same combination did for Marsh (16 off 34) as Australia slipped from 41 without loss to 56 for two.

Michael Hussey and Michael Clarke - captaining Australia in a one-dayer for the first time - put on 60 for third wicket before both fell in the 30s.

Michael Hussey (37 off 46) holed out to Dwayne Bravo at deep mid-wicket off the bowling of Darren Sammy before Clarke (36 off 51) went lbw to Nikita Miller after failing to connect with a sweep.

But Symonds and David Hussey piled on the runs later in the innings to get the tourists back on track.

Even a brief rain delay could not disrupt the rhythm of Symonds in particular, who struck 10 fours and two sixes before becoming Fidel Edwards' first victim.

The quick then dismissed James Hopes for a duck with the following ball, while David Hussey fell to Chris Gayle as Australia lost three wickets for 10 runs.

Australia lead 3-0 in the five-match series.

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