West Indies refused to let Australia run away with the first Test on day one, but the hosts have the stronger position after a bright opening to the contest. The local batsmen, the ones whose first-innings lapses cost the side in England, failed to convert a series of promising starts, with four of them departing between 41 and 92 as they went to stumps at 5 for 322.

Katich, Ponting and Hussey each made 50's before falling just as the host's began to press the accelerator, West Indies can take some positives from the day especially in the shape of Bravo and Roach but overall they were poor in the field with dropped catches and mis-fields.  Skipper Chris Gayle almost made up for the lapses with a brilliant take at slip to remove the dangerous Clarke for 42 but overall Australia will be happy with the total in the day and confident that Haddin and North will build that total on day two.