Ricky Ponting and Darren Lehmann were steaming towards a double-century stand against the West Indies as Australia began to dominate the second Test in Port of Spain.

At tea on the first day, Australia was 2-228 in its first innings with Ponting (85 not out) and Lehmann (80 not out) combining for an unbeaten third-wicket stand of 172.

Lehmann was lucky to remain after appearing to edge a catch behind off Vasbert Drakes when the left-hander was on 65 but South African umpire Rudi Koertzen turned down a unanimous appeal.

The umpires have again created controversy after a poor first Test, with Sri Lankan Asoka de Silva incorrectly sending Matthew Hayden (30) and Justin Langer (25) on their way LBW to Mervyn Dillon before lunch.

Ponting was dropped on 37 by Marlon Samuels at first slip from the bowling of Dillon but otherwise the Australian batsmen looked untroubled in the Trinidad heat.

Ponting, after scores of 117 and 42 not out in the first Test victory, was in line for his third century in as many international matches.

The vice-captain reached his half-century from 60 deliveries with three boundaries in one over from debutant David Bernard.

Lehmann, almost fighting for his place after a run of modest scores, looked comfortable as he edged towards his first Test century, reaching 50 from 92 deliveries.

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