Ben Hilfenhaus and Ryan Harris celebrates Australia's win over West Indies in Barbados

Riding on Shane Watson’s half-century after bowling out West Indies for 148 in their second innings, Australia chased down the target of 192 runs to record one of their historical victories.

Australia had declared their first innings for 406 in reply of West Indies’ 449-9 dec.

“It was very hard fought. Australian cricket has very fond memories of this ground in Barbados and I think the last five days will be added to those great memories,” said Australia skipper Michael Clarke.

“I think full credit has to go to our bowlers, not only the way they batted in the first innings but the way they came out and bowled in the second innings as well,” he added.

West Indies VS Australia: Middle-order collapse halted Australia’s progress

Reaching 106-1 thanks to a 72-run second-wicket stand between Ed Cowan (34) and Watson (52) Australia seemed trouble-free towards chase but spinner Narsingh Deonarine claimed four wickets in quick-succession to resurrect West Indies’ hopes.

Deonarine sparked the collapse by claiming Watson caught by Pollard at covers before edging Cowan to Shivnarain Chanderpaul in slips.

Two overs later Deonarine nettled the stumps of Ricky Ponting (14) and snapped a return catch of Clarke to leave the tourists wobbling at 140-5.

With Australia inches closer to victory, Paceman Kemar Roach injected the drama further and dismissed Matthew Wade (18) and Michael Hussey (32) in his alternate overs before Ben Hilfenhaus hit the winning runs.

West Indies VS Australia: West Indies added 77 runs to their overnight total

Earlier, resuming their second innings at 71-5, West Indies added 77 runs to their total before being dismissed in the morning session.

Australia paceman Ben Hilfenhaus finished with four for 27 while Harris claimed three for 31 runs.

Australia’s body language in the field was worst as Clarke, Watson and Nathan Lyon all dropped catches but the bottom-line veiled the blots.

The second Test begins in Trinidad on Sunday.

West Indies VS Australia 1st Test Scorecard