Hussey hands Australia a final place

Australia 252-9 India 165

Shane Watson shows his delight after dismissing Suresh Raina (Getty Images)

Shane Watson made a triumphant return by captaining Australia to an emphatic victory over India at the SCG yesterday and ensuring a place in the final of the Tri-Series.

Watson, who last played for his country in South Africa last November, took 2 for 9 as his team bowled out India for 165 in reply to Australia's 252 for nine. India now need a bonus-point victory over Sri Lanka in Hobart tomorrow to have any hope of progressing to the best-of-three-match final.

Australia's David Warner scored his first half-century of the year in limited-overs cricket, wicketkeeper Matt Wade hit 56 and David Hussey a controversial 54. Hussey was on 17 and running for a single when he put out his hand to block Suresh Raina's throw. India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni appealed for "obstructing the field" but umpire Billy Bowden turned him down after a long consultation with the third umpire, deciding that the batsman was protecting himself from injury.

Sachin Tendulkar was cheered on to the field by the crowd as he continue his quest for his 100th international century. The batting maestro had made just 14 runs, however, when he was run out, waving his arms in frustration at Brett Lee who had unintentionally blocked his path to the crease.