Travis Head in horror moment as century goes begging in first Test

Australia were on cloud nine at stumps on day two of the first Test against the West Indies, except perhaps for Travis Head. The Adelaide-born batsman chopped the ball onto his stumps on 99, moments after Steve Smith notched a double-century for himself.

After electing to bat first, Australia have dominated on the Optus Stadium pitch despite the early loss of David Warner. Smith (200 not out) and Marnus Labuschagne (204) did the lion's share of the first innings damage, as captain Pat Cummins elected to declare as soon as Head's wicket was lost.

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Fans were devastated for Head, despite Australia's dominant position heading into day three. Head had reached 50 runs from just 61 deliveries earlier, and looked set to reach the century from 95 deliveries when he chopped Kraigg Braithwaite's delivery onto his stumps.

"You can't believe it!" came the call from the commentary box as Head's high-scoring cameo was brought to an anticlimactic end. "Travis Head plays on! For 99."

Head becomes the first Australian Test batsman to be dismissed on 99 since Shaun Marsh back in 2014, against India at the MCG. It was an ultimately indecisive shot that proved to be his undoing, and which sent the West Indies into bat after Cummins' declaration.

Fans were heartbroken for Head, but much of the attention was focused on Smith and Labuschagne's powerful double-century innings.

Australia in commanding position against West Indies

With his reconfigured technique, Smith's century brought him level with Bradman for most Test centuries and behind only Ricky Ponting (41), Steve Waugh (32) and Matthew Hayden (30) of all Australians.

"Any time your name is mentioned alongside The Don it is pretty special and flattering," Smith said. "It was nice to get a big one today and set us up and put us in a good position."

It was Smith's first Test innings since claiming he had found the "ultimate" set up with his batting: Closing off his stance, limiting his movement pre-delivery and opening up the face of his bat with his grip. While West Indies' bowling started flat and grew even less threatening on a dry wicket, it will be the promise of what is ahead for Smith that will excite Australia most.

Though the home side established themselves firmly on day two, the West Indies did well to see out a dangerous evening session following the declaration at 4/598. A herculean task to equal that tally lies ahead of the visitors, however a string start was made by Test debutant Tagenarine Chanderpaul.

Chanderpaul, the eldest son of West Indies great Shivnarine, was unbeaten an stumps on 47. His batting was made all the more impressive after wearing a number of body shots, which culminated in a brutal shot to the groin.

But he recovered to cut well and even hook Cummins for six, with skipper Brathwaite alongside him on 18 after Australia's bowlers erred too short late. It looked like Australia were eying off the chance to run through West Indies and assume full control, but Brathwaite and Chanderpaul have shown otherwise.

"It was a job well done. But the job is far from over," Brathwaite said. "Tomorrow is very important. The first hour once again. It was good to see the fight but we need to continue it."

With AAP