Katich misses century as Australia fight on

Opener Simon Katich missed out on his ninth Test hundred but his knock of 92 helped Australia make 322 runs at the loss of 5 wickets at the close of Day 1's play of the first Test against West Indies in Brisbane.

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting elected to bat first after winning the toss. However, his side got the first blow when Shane Watson was caught LBW by Jerome Taylor and walked back without opening his account.

Watson's departure brought Ponting on to the field and the captain did not disappoint. Ponting and Katich had a 125-run stand for the second wicket before Kemar Roach struck to dismiss the former for 55 runs. A good length delivery from Roach kissed Ponting's bat on its way to wicketkeeper Dinesh Ramdin.

While Ponting went back, Katich carried on the procession. He added 74-run with Michael Hussey and almost got his century when Dwayne Bravo got rid of him. He nicked a delivery going outside the off-stump and keeper jumped to his right to complete the catch.

53 runs later, Hussey's innings too came to an end. He made 66 before spinner Sulieman Benn dismissed him with a simple return catch.

Michael Clarke (41) and Marcus North added 34 runs when Bravo claimed his second victim. Bravo kept luring Clarke for slash with wide deliveries and the latter fell in the trap. Clarke tried going after one such deliveries and West Indies skipper Chris Gayle, who was well back in time to join his side for the first Test, took a sensational catch at wide slip.

North (42*) was joined by Brad Haddin (9*) and the duo had an unbeaten stand of 34 runs till the end of the day and will resume the fight on Friday.