Simon Katich fell eight runs short of a century as Australia finished Day 1 in the opening Test against the West Indies on 322 for 5, in Brisbane, on Thursday.
The West Indies had the perfect start after Australia won the toss and elected to bat at the Gabba, as fast bowler Jerome Taylor dismissed Shane Watson leg before wicket for a seven-ball duck.
But Katich (92) and captain Ricky Ponting (55) added 126 for the second wicket to steady the ship before Kemar Roach had the latter caught behind to give the tourists their second success of the day after 27.5 overs.
Katich was involved in another crucial partnership of 74 runs for the third-wicket with the in-form Michael Hussey (66) that ensured the hosts a slender advantage going into the second day.
Dwayne Bravo dismissed Michael Clarke (41) and also accounted for Katich to finsih with figures of two for 66 while Suleiman Benn dismissed Hussey.
At close of play, Marcus North was unbeaten on 42 and giving him company was stumper Brad Haddin (9).