Justin Langer and the in-form Ricky Ponting hit centuries against West Indies on Friday to leave the home team facing a long battle to avoid a defeat in the first Test.

Langer, who made 146, and Ponting, who struck 117, put on 248 runs for the second wicket as the touring side made 489 all out, a lead of 252.

West Indies survived five overs of spin in fading light to reach 16 without loss at the close.

Adam Gilchrist, who scored 77, and Andy Bichel (39) added to the home team's frustration with an important 85-run stand for the seventh wicket.

Fast bowler Vasbert Drakes prevented the Australian batsman from doing more damage as he took five wickets in an innings for the first time in a Test, with both Ponting and Langer among his victims.

Langer and Ponting, resuming on 120 for one, ripped apart the West Indian attack early in the day as they both completed their centuries before lunch.

The left-handed Langer, who fought his way back into the team after being dropped during the tour to England two years ago, completed his 14th Test century with a quick single after facing 159 balls.

Ponting, rapidly establishing himself as the most formidable number three in the world, completed his 15th Test hundred in the last over before lunch with a lofted on-drive for four as Australia added 133 in the first session without any major scares.

It was Ponting's fourth hundred in his last 10 Test innings and followed his match-winning 140 not out in last month's World Cup final against India.

Ponting finally went after lunch when he got a thick outside edge and was caught at first slip by Marlon Samuels for 117, as he became Drakes's first victim.

Lehmann was the next when he was out for six as substitute fielder Dave Bernard dived to his right to take a flying catch at point from a full-blooded cut.

Drakes, who returned to international cricket last year after falling foul of the West Indian Cricket Board's eligibility rules by playing in South Africa, then removed Langer after he had made 146.

Langer's outside edge was caught by wicketkeeper Wavell Hinds -- standing in for injured Ridley Jacobs.

Australia captain Steve Waugh, making a world record 157th Test appearance, was out in the second over after tea when he was lbw to a Mervyn Dillon delivery for 25.

But that was the cue for Gilchrist to start a typically big-hitting innings.

The left-hander, moved one place up the order to number six following the decision to pick five bowlers, hit nine fours and two sixes as Australia steamed ahead of the West Indies first innings total.

Bichel played an excellent supporting 39 before he was caught by Hinds to become Drakes's fourth victim.

Gilchrist's hopes of a century ended when he was caught and bowled by Jermaine Lawson for 77 off 81 balls and Drakes polished off the innings when he had Brett Lee caught by Mervyn Dillon for 20.

Ist Innings report

Scoreboard at the close of play on the second day.