Australia Dominate Day One

Perth: Half centuries by three of the top four batsmen powered Australia to 339 for loss of three wickets at stumps on the opening day of the third and final Test against West Indies at the WACA ground here on Wednesday.Michael Hussey was batting on 81 in the company of Marcus North(23) as umpire Billy signed for end of play.

Australia were off to a steady start after electing to bat. Watson blazed fast with 89 runs before he was caught behind off Roach. The opener, dropped by Gayle at slips on 7, hit 15 fours.Ricky Ponting, the next man, retired hurt for 23 as he was hit hard on his shoulders by a rising delivery when the hosts were 175-1.

That brought Michael Hussey to the middle. Katich charged up with Hussey, going for quick runs both before and after tea, before he missed a hundred by one run. Katich hit 10 fours and added 85 runs with Hussey for the second wicket.Michael Clarke was the next man to go for 11 as Deonarine bagged his only wicket of the day.While C McKay made his debut for hosts, G Tonge was the other debutante for the West Indies. Australia lead the series 1-0 after the second Test at Adelaide ended in a draw.