Chris Gayle hit the fifth fastest century in Test cricket, in just 70 balls, to post a powerful reply to Australia's 520 for 7 declared. The visitors are currently 214/2, still 306 runs behind with Ramnaresh Sarwan unbeaten on 42 and nightwatchman Narsingh Deonarine giving company on 10.
Gayle's century continued the run-fest at the WACA. The West Indian skipper blazed to the three-figure mark with half a dozen sixes and was brutal towards off-spinner Nathan Hauritz, who he hit for four strokes over the fence including one that went into the roof of the towering Lillee-Marsh stand.
It was a typical Gayle innings, spruced with powerful hits in between dead defence and he showed responsibility in a line-up that reflected fragility in the absence of Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Adrain Barath.
Travis Dowlin gave him excellent support with a 55 at the top of the order as the opening pair added 136 runs against an indisciplined effort from the Australian new-ball bowlers, especially Mitchell Johnson.
With the shine quickly off the red Kookaburra, the rest of the attack looked helpless in curtailing Gayle's offensive measures.
Earlier, Australia plundered runs at will on the second morning, even though Mike Hussey departed adding just one to his overnight tally of 81. Marcus North prospered though in the company of Brad Haddin, the latter scoring 88 and Johnson contributing his bit with the bat later on with 35 as Australia declared its innings —- making it the second-highest total in international cricket that didn't feature a single century in it.
