Ponting crafted a fine century More match photos

Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting hit centuries to leave the West Indies facing a tough battle to avoid a swift defeat in the first Test.

Langer made 146 and Ponting 117 as the tourists hit 489 late on the second day - a lead of 252 over their hosts.

The West Indies survived five overs of spin in fading light to reach 16 without loss at the close.

And the hosts suffered a further blow with the news that wicketkeeper Ridley Jacobs will miss the second Test because of a groin injury.

A veteran of 48 Tests, Jacobs was injured attempting a sweep shot against Australian leg spinner Stuart McGill on Thursday.

Vasbert Drakes celebrates one of his five wickets

Ponting's 248-run stand with Langer was the highest by an Australian pair for the second wicket in the Caribbean.

The pair, resuming on 120 for one, ripped apart the West Indian attack early in the day as they both completed their centuries before lunch.

Adam Gilchrist (77) and Andy Bichel (39) also added to the home side's frustration with an important 85-run stand for the seventh wicket.

Fast bowler Vasbert Drakes prevented the Australian batsmen from doing more damage as he took five wickets in a innings for the first time in a Test match.

Australia captain Steve Waugh, making a world record 157th test appearance, was out in the second over after tea when he was lbw to a Mervyn Dillon delivery for 25.

West Indies: B C Lara (capt), R D Jacobs (wkt), W W Hinds, D S Smith, D Ganga, S Chanderpaul, M N Samuels, V C Drakes, M Dillon, P T Collins, J J C Lawson.

Australia: S R Waugh (capt), A C Gilchrist (wkt), J L Langer, M L Hayden, R T Ponting, D S Lehmann, G B Hogg, A J Bichel, B Lee, J N Gillespie, S C G MacGill.