Hometown favourite Shivnarine Chanderpaul unleashed one of the fastest recorded centuries in Test cricket as the West Indies fought back against Australia during an eventful first Test in Georgetown.

At tea on the first day, the Windies were 8-236 in their first innings after Chanderpaul belted 100 from 72 balls, reaching his century in just 69 deliveries.

It was the third fastest recorded century by deliveries following Viv Richard's 56 balls against England in Antigua in 1985-86 and Jack Gregory's 67-ball century for Australia against South Africa in Johannesburg in 1921-22.

Not all Test matches have recorded the number of deliveries faced by batsmen but Chanderpaul's rapid ton would rate among the best despite the lightning outfield which inflated scoring rates.

The 28-year-old hit 15 fours and two sixes as Australia lost its grip after the Windies had folded to 5-53.

He reached his century with a cover drive off Stuart MacGill, raising his arms to a loud home crowd before crouching and kissing the Bourda wicket, where he has made three of his seven centuries.

Chanderpaul and Ridley Jacobs (53 not out) shared a 131-run stand in 143 balls, with Jacobs batting with the assistance of a runner after injuring his upper left leg trying to sweep MacGill (1-52).

Chanderpaul was also hurt when he was trapped LBW by Andrew Bichel (3-55) and needed to be helped from the ground.

The LBW decision by umpire Asoka de Silva was dubious but not as bad as the poor decisions by de Silva and Rudi Koertzen to give Devon Smith (three) and Merv Dillon (20 from 17 balls) out LBW.

Bichel had three wickets, removing dangermen Chanderpaul and Brian Lara (26) before claiming Vasbert Drakes (zero) to a diving catch by wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist.

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