KEY POINTS:
Ricky Ponting passed the 10,000 test runs mark and Simon Katich scored an unbeaten 113 as Australia made 259 for three on the first day of the second test against West Indies.
In front of a woefully small crowd and on a deadly dull batting track at the
Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, the tourists went about their business in sensible fashion, with Ponting making 65 and then Michael Clark confidently adding 38.
It was clear from the first few deliveries of the day from quicks Daren Powell and Fidel Edwards - barely reaching the gloves of wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin - that the West Indian attack was in for a long day.
Katich, whose return to test cricket in this series comes after nearly three years' absence, was badly in need of a score after his failure in both innings at Sabina Park last week.
But the day belonged to Ponting who became one of just seven batsmen to pass five figures in test cricket, joining two other former Australia skippers Allan Border and Steve Waugh in that elite club.
The others are Indian trio Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, with Brian Lara heading the all-time list with 11,953 runs.
The tourists lost opener Phil Jaques for 17, with the score on 36, when he was trapped lbw by an in-swinging full-length delivery from Dwayne Bravo. Then Ponting, who made 158 in the first innings of the first test in Kingston, Jamaica last week, went to the crease needing 61 to reach the milestone.
Ponting and Katich took Australia to 70 for one by lunch and never looked in trouble, batting throughout the afternoon session without loss.
Ponting reached 61 and 10,000 with a two off Ramnaresh Sarwan. Shortly after the muted celebrations of his achievement - the stadium announcer did not acknowledge the landmark, nor did either of the giant screens - he was on his way after reaching towards a Jerome Taylor delivery wide outside off stump and edging to Xavier Marshall at second slip.
Mike Hussey will be furious that he made only 10 on this wicket, before he pulled a lame long-hop from medium-pacer Darren Sammy straight to Shivnarine Chanderpaul at mid-wicket. Clarke, who missed the first test on compassionate leave, joined Katich and the pair put on 60 before the close, leaving Australia well placed to make a big first innings score.
Katich credited his turnaround to a more laid-back approach. The 32-year-old's return to the side in the first test in Jamaica last week ended a 30-month exile from the test team, during which he lost his contract with Cricket Australia.
"It felt special because it's obviously been a long time," he said of his unbeaten 113.
"As a test batsman, that's what it's all about, trying to score hundreds."
Katich's previous centuries came against India in 2004 and New Zealand in 2005. He said he had wondered if he would get a another chance.
"I guess you never give up hope once you've had a taste of it but at times, you're always thinking at the back of your mind, wondering whether that opportunity may come again," he said. "Particularly as the years were starting to tick over, it's just nice to be back and playing."
Katich got his chance after some excellent domestic form. He scored a record 1506 Pura Cup runs at an average of 94.12. The retirement of Adam Gilchrist and injury to Matthew Hayden opened the door to a return to the test side in the role of opener. It is a more relaxed Katich that has taken this chance.
