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 10,000-run plateau.

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

"It (my Test career) started in the Caribbean in 1995," Ponting said on Sky Sports Extra.

"It has taken me 13 years of international cricket to get to 10,000.

"Everyone growing up hopes they are good enough to do it but I am most proud of my longevity in the game.

"I am not one for landmarks, I just try and do my best for the team."

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 went for 17 after falling victim to a beautiful delivery from Dwayne Bravo.

Right-armer Bravo got one to nip back and trapped Jaques leg before wicket with television replays showing the ball was destined to hit middle stump.

The dismissal brought Ponting to the crease alongside Katich and the pair prospered, putting on 136 for the second wicket.

Ponting went shortly after reaching 10,000 runs - a moment which was greeted with a brief wave of the bat to the sparse crowd.

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 mis-timing a pull straight to Shivnarine Chanderpaul at mid-wicket off the bowling of Darren Sammy.

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

Clarke was also at the crease to share the moment when his New South Wales team-mate Katich got to three figures with an on-drive wide of mid-on.

Ponting was delighted with his side's efforts in the day.

"It's a very flat pitch but as the ball got harder it was harder to score on," he said.

"The West Indies bowled well but Katich played a great innings and with the new ball due hopefully we can accelerate.

"It has been a good day. Whenever we win the toss and bat our objective is to make sure we bat just once.

"Hopefully we can get off to a good start in the morning."