Ajay Ratra was in jubilant mood after becoming the first Indian wicket-keeper in 49 years to score a century on foreign soil.

Ratra made 115 not out on day three of the fourth Test against West Indies in Antigua despite finding it hard to sleep the previous night after reaching the close of play on 93.

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He was overshadowed by Anil Kumble's bravery in bowling with a broken jaw later in the day, but his contribution was

"I just played my natural game. I wanted to stay at the crease for a long time and didn't want to play risky shots.

"I couldn't score in the last two Tests, so I worked hard with the coach. My captain and team-mates gave me a lot of confidence. That's why I was able to do well," he said.

Vijay Manjrekar was the last Indian wicket-keeper to make an overseas hundred - against West Indies in Jamaica 49 years ago - but he was a batsman who was pressed into service in that match.

The previous highest score on foreign soil by a specialist wicket-keeper was 89 by Farokh Engineer at Adelaide in 1967.

"I like batting in the Caribbean because the fast bowlers are here. It's a big challenge for youngsters to score runs here and and I always like challenges," said Ratra.

The 20-year-old had a few anxious moments on 99 before finally reaching three figures.

He survived a confident lbw shout, was hit on the fingers by a ball from Cameron Cuffy and then almost fell on his stumps as he tried to avoid a Merv Dillon bouncer.

"It was a pinful blow and the nail hurt a lot. I was in pain, but I knew my responsibility," he added.