Ganga hits a second successive century Photos from Trinidad

Daren Ganga hit a second consecutive Test century as West Indies avoided the follow-on and retained hope of salvaging a draw in Port-of-Spain.

Ganga made 117 as the home team reached 408 all out, 168 runs behind their opponent's first-innings total of 576-4 declared.

Australia then lost Justin Langer, Vasbert Drakes trapping the opener for three in the sixth over, before reaching 31-1 at the close.

Ganga became the first Trinidadian in 20 years to hit a hundred at home - Larry Gomes last achieved the feat against India in 1982/83.

He took 185 balls to reach three figures, a total that belied a patient approach on a lightning-fast outfield.

I hope I can play a big part in West Indies cricket Daren Ganga

"I always knew I had the ability and capability to score at this level," said Ganga.

"I wanted to do something special in front of my home crowd. I had good support from (captain) Brian (Lara) and the rest of the guys.

"All along I have taken my cricket very seriously. Now I hope I can play a big part in West Indies cricket."

Ganga and Ramnaresh Sarwan took advantage of Australia skipper Steve Waugh's decision to avoid using his pace attack until mid-way through the morning.

Once the second new ball became available, Brett Lee halted the fourth wicket partnership at 75, a ferocious yorker bowling Sarwan for 26.

After lunch Lee followed up with the wicket of Ganga, caught at first slip nicking a vicious away-swinger.

Debutant Dave Bernard followed shortly afterwards, bowled through the gate by Jason Gillespie.

Samuels enjoyed some luck on his way to a 92-ball fifty, caught off an Andy Bichel no-ball on 47.

Fourteen of his runs came off a single over from Brad Hog, including a straight six over the wrist-spinner's head.

But a seventh-wicket partnership of 67 was brought to an end just before the tea break.

Wicket-keeper Baugh was given out hit wicket for 19 in an attempt to late-cut Stuart MacGill, handing the leg-spinner his 100th Test wicket.

Samuels was out after tea when he lofted MacGill to long-off and was caught by Bichel.

Lee finished with 4-69 when he had Drakes lbw for 24.

West Indies: Brian Lara (captain), Ramnaresh Sarwan (vice-captain), Wavell Hinds, Devon Smith, Daren Ganga, Marlon Samuels, Carlton Baugh, Dave Bernard, Vasbert Drakes, Mervyn Dillon, Pedro Collins.

Australia: Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting (vice-captain), Darren Lehmann, Steve Waugh (captain), Adam Gilchrist (wicket-keeper), Brad Hogg, Andy Bichel, Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, Stuart MacGill.