FORMER Hampshire batsman Simon Katich starred as Australia recovered to set West Indies a challening target in the final VB Series group match at Adelaide this morning.

Katich walked out to the crease with Australia tottering on 38-4 in the day-night encounter, but went on to top score with 76 as they totalled 269-8 in 50 overs.

Katich hit seven fours in an 86-ball knock before seamers Jason Gillespie (44 not out off 42 balls) and Brett Lee (38 not out off 44 balls) added 73 for the ninth wicket. Ex-Hampshire man Michael Clarke scored 21 before he became one of Pedro Collins' five victims. He ended with 5-43. Lee then struck twice as the Windies crashed to 3-2 in reply.