Ricky Ponting was heading towards another century as Australia began building another hefty total against the West Indies in the third cricket Test in Barbados.

At tea on the first day, Australia was 2-197 in its first innings with Ponting (69 not out) on track for his third ton of the series.

Justin Langer (78) was the only batsman out in the middle session, skying a catch to Shivnarine Chanderpaul at cover from the bowling of debutant spinner Omari Banks (1-58).

Ponting and Darren Lehmann (22 not out) were then untroubled as the Windies became used to spending another long day in the field.

The home team took only 18 wickets during their losses in the opening two Tests, which featured two centuries from Ponting.

The vice-captain needed only 21 runs after the tea break to reach 500 in a series for the first time in his career.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP