Cricket: Australia five wickets down

6:15 PM

Australia are 198/5 after 58 overs on the first day of fourth test against the West Indies at the MCG.

Ricky Ponting's wicket was the last to fall, caught by Hinds off McLean for 23 with the score at 149.

Ponting's replacement Adam Gilchrist has made short work of his first eight overs knocking out 32 - including five fours - to match the score of partner captain Steve Waugh.

The home side made a steady start after being sent into bat, but at 41 lost the wicket of Hayden for 13, caught by Jacobs off the bowling of Courtney Walsh.

Six runs later Slater was caught by Jacobs off McLean.

Just after lunch, Justin Langer was dismissed for 31 followed by Mark Waugh who made 25 before being caught by Hinds off McLean.

- HERALD ONLINE STAFF