Brilliant catching by the West Indies had Australia in deep trouble 6-98, before Bailey steered a spirited fightback that saw the home team make 7-266 from their 50 overs.
Bailey top-scored with an unbeaten 125 and was offered great support by second-gamer James Faulkner, who made 39 as the pair put on exactly 100 for the seventh wicket.
It was Bailey's highest score in 20 ODIs. He enjoyed some good fortune on 40, when Dwayne Bravo thought he had trapped the right-hander lbw with a slower ball.
Umpire Nigel Llong turned down the appeal and the subsequent decision review also went Bailey's way, much to the bemusement of the tourists and many who saw the replay.
Bailey capitalised on the narrow escape, reaching his century by blasting Kemar Roach over mid-wicket for six in the 49th over.He then finished the innings in style, hitting three sixes in the final over from the hapless Bravo as the Australians plundered 23 runs.
Bailey hit 30 runs from his last six balls in the innings. He faced 110 deliveries overall and hit 10 fours and four sixes.
The West Indies, routed for just 70 in the opening game of the five-match series on Friday as they were beaten by nine wickets, learnt from their error in that match and bowled first after again winning the toss.
They produced some brilliant fielding as Australia's top order again struggled.
Kieran Powell, Darren Bravo and skipper Darren Sammy all took superb catches to put the home side on the back foot.
However, poor bowling late in the innings allowed Australia to post a score that seemed highly unlikely, if not almost impossible, earlier on.
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