Australia charged to a nine-wicket victory over the West Indies to ignite its defence of the Frank Worrell Trophy in the first Test in Georgetown.

Justin Langer (78 not out) and Ricky Ponting (42 not out) steered Australia to victory midway through the fourth day as the tourists' reached 1-147 in their second innings.

The win was set up earlier in the day by Jason Gillespie (5-39), who captured four wickets for four runs as the Windies were rolled for 398 in their second innings.

The Windies' last five wickets fell for 16 runs, ensuring Australia would have a comfortable path to victory on a wicket which remained ideal for batting.

Matthew Hayden was the only casualty, caught by substitute fielder Narsingh Deonarine from the bowling of Jermaine Lawson.

Langer should have been out moments earlier but substitute fielder David Bernard Jr spilled a straight-forward chance off the bowling of part-time off-spinner Marlon Samuels.

Australia need to win one of the remaining three Tests to defend the Worrell Trophy won back in the Caribbean eight years ago.

The series continues in Trinidad on Saturday with the Windies relying on the return of vice-captain Ramnaresh Sarwan and batsman Chris Gayle to add some potency to their team.

Australia was facing a competitive run chase when the fourth day began but Gillespie ruined the Windies' hopes as he became the 16th Australian to reach 150 Test wickets.

He received three LBW decisions from umpire Asoka de Silva - all of which appeared to be out - while wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist accepted a catch to remove dangerman Shivnarine Chanderpaul (31).

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