Katich stars as Ponting passes 10,000

Simon Katich enjoys the moment after reaching his hundred

Simon Katich hit an unbeaten century as Australia moved into a strong position on the first day of the second Test against West Indies - but it was Ricky Ponting who stole the limelight in Antigua.

Ponting hit 65 to become just the seventh man in history to pass 10,000 runs in Test cricket.

He started the day 61 runs short of the landmark but passed it with a cover drive off the bowling of Ramnaresh Sarwan shortly after the tea interval.

Ponting joins an illustrious group of batsmen, which includes two other Australians, Allan Border and Steve Waugh, to have reached the milestone.

The list is headed by West Indian Brian Lara, who amassed 11,953 runs in his Test career.

His achievement capped a fine day for the tourists who went into the match 1-0 up in the best-of-three series.

Opener Katich led from the front, making 113 not out before bad light brought an end to proceedings with Australia on 259 for three.

The sole wicket to fall in the morning session was that of Phil Jaques, who was trapped leg before by Dwayne Bravo.

Ponting then put on 136 for the second wicket with Katich but fell shortly after reaching the 10,000 barrier.

The Tasmanian may have suffered from a momentary lapse in concentration as he chased a slower ball from Jerome Taylor and edged into the waiting hands of Xavier Marshall at second slip.

Mike Hussey missed out, making 10 before mistiming a pull straight to Shivnarine Chanderpaul at midwicket off Darren Sammy.

But Michael Clarke looked in great touch as he made a rapid 38 not out before the close.