KHULNA, Bangladesh (CMC) — Marlon Samuels hit a memorable first Test double century while the stylish Darren Bravo and veteran Shiv Chanderpaul also cashed in with hundreds, as West Indies indulged in a hearty run-feast on the third day of the second Test here yesterday.

The Caribbean side finished the day on 564 for four, a lead of 177 runs, with the elegant Samuels stroking his way to an imperious 260.

Not to be left out, Bravo converted his overnight 85 into 127 — his fourth Test century — while Chanderpaul marched to an unbeaten 109 to record his 27th Test century and overtake the iconic Sir Garry Sobers on the West Indies all-time list.

The 38-year-old left-hander is now only behind Brian Lara who has 34 centuries.

The day belonged to Samuels, however, as he dominated the Bangladesh attack before falling in the final hour of the day’s play, with a triple century beckoning at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium.

By then, the classy right-hander had reeled off 31 fours and three sixes, in a splendid innings that spanned 10 hours and 18 minutes, and consumed 455 balls.

In the process, he added 326 for the third wicket with Bravo, a partnership that was just outside of the all-time West Indies record of 338 set by two of the legendary Three Ws — Sir Everton Weekes and Sir Frank Worrell — more than half a century ago.

The stand was also the sixth highest ever partnership in West Indies history, surpassing the previous 322 set by former captains Brian Lara and Jimmy Adams against Australia 13 years ago.

When Bravo fell three balls before lunch, Samuels found an ally in Chanderpaul to put on a further 177 for the fourth wicket, and tighten West Indies grip on the game and the two-match series.

The left-handed Bravo batted for just under seven hours, faced 288 balls and struck 10 fours, while Chanderpaul’s innings has so far lasted 206 balls and a shade over four hours, and included 10 fours and a six.

Bangladesh’s best bowler was seamer Rubel Hossain who finished with two for 75, while rookie off-spinner Sohag Gazi has claimed two for 143.

Resuming the day on 109 with the Windies on 241 for two, Samuels enjoyed a huge slice of luck early on when he was dropped by Naeem Islam at first slip off seamer Abul Hasan in the fourth over of the morning, after he had added just eight.

Buoyed by the let-off, Samuels put the Tigers bowlers to the sword, unfurling a dazzling array of off-side drives as he coasted to his 150 off just 45 more deliveries.