PERTH, Australia — The West Indies let themselves down on day one of the final Test at Perth and Australia duly took control. The hosts posted 339-3 — the fourth highest first-day score at the WACA.

Simon Katich, for the second time in his career, fell just short of a century when he was caught at square-leg on 99.

It was also the second time he was dismissed in the 90s in this series — a series during which no Australian has yet reached triple figures.

Michael Hussey, not out on 81, may well change that on day two as he and another Western Australia man, Marcus North on 23, took Australia to the close.

The other significant contribution with the bat came from Katich’s opening partner, Shane Watson, whose 89 followed up his 96 in the Adelaide draw.

Two more scores which barely missed the three figure mark.

If it is a curse, Hussey, a man who needs big runs if only to keep over-reacting critics quiet, will want to break it.

Watson though should have made just seven.

He was dropped early on by no less than captain Chris Gayle, at first slip off the fiery Kemar Roach who once again showcased his hostility resulting in the other captain, Ricky Ponting, needing to make a trip to the hospital for what was explained as precautionary X-rays.

In fastbowlers books, though, a trip to the hospital is a trip to the hospital just as blood is blood.

The psychological effect had been properly registered.

Roach greeted Ponting with fire and brimstone when arrived at the crease with the score 132-1 following Watson’s eventual dismissal, edging the very Roach this time to Denesh Ramdin.

The Barbadian pacer quickly aimed a short ball at Ponting’s body and connected flush on his elbow as the Aussie captain essayed an inadequate evasive manoeuvre.

Ponting, usually not uncomfortable against the fastest of bowling, tried to display a brave face but required medical attention, thrice, to ease the pain.

Shortly thereafter, another vicious short ball slammed into his left side and caused yet more pain.

Ponting was caught by Roach flinching like a battered middleweight boxer being pummelled in the ninth round rather than a fresh batsman eager for runs.