Symonds rode his luck against Bravo on his way to 52

Australia were grateful for the arrival of rain as they closed on 226-7 after an eventful opening day of the third and final Test in Bridgetown.

With the West Indies needing victory to draw the series, Dwayne Bravo claimed figures of 3-48 to give his side hope.

Andrew Symonds made 52 for the tourists but the all-rounder was lucky to survive when he appeared to glove a ball behind on 14.

Brett Lee and debutant Beau Casson will be at the crease when Australia resume.

None of the batting talent on display found life easy on a lively wicket which offered plenty of pace and bounce, and it was no surprise that West Indies captain Chris Gayle decided too field after winning the toss.

Fidel Edwards and Jerome Taylor both generated some impressive pace, but it was Bravo, less quick but more varied, who was the most dangerous.

Australia openers Phil Jaques and Simon Katich made a brisk start, putting on 46 inside 11 overs for the first wicket.

Taylor struck first when Jaques top-edged an attempted pull shot and he then trapped the aggressive Ricky Ponting after a rapid 18.

Bravo struck twice in an over to remove Mike Hussey and Michael Clarke to leave Australia 98-4 at lunch.

The afternoon session began with Katich being caught at slip by Gayle, attempting to hook Edwards.

Gayle, who was returning from two months out with a groin injury, had to receive treatment after he fell awkwardly completing the catch but he was able to continue after a short break.

With Australia rocking at 111-5, the West Indies were looking to get into the lower order and they had a chance when Symonds, on seven, was dropped by Xavier Marshall in the slips off Bravo.

The reprieved Symonds - helped by the debateable call when he was on 14 - took charge, putting on 87 with wicketkeeper Brad Haddin before the latter was trapped leg before by Sulieman Benn.

Symonds reached his half-century from 78 balls, with five fours and a six, shortly before tea but fell soon after the interval when he drove Bravo to cover.

Lee then had to endure some hostile short-pitched bowling from Edwards before the clouds came in and robbed a healthy crowd of a potentially fascinating evening.