Simon Katich and Ricky Ponting hit contrasting half-centuries and shared a century second-wicket stand to carry Australia to 151 for one in their first innings at tea in the second Test against West Indies on Friday.
At the break, Katich on 64 and Ponting on 57 were the not out batsman, after Australia chose to bat on a hard, docile Vivian Richards Cricket Ground pitch on the opening day of the Test. Making full use of the ideal conditions, the Aussie pair added 115 after Phil Jaques was dismissed in the final half-hour before lunch.
Katich reached his 50, when he hooked Daren Powell to deep fine leg for the last of his six boundaries, and Australia captain Ponting brought up his half-century, when he swung a short ball from the same bowler over mid-wicket for the last of his five fours.