Chris Gayle fired, but the West Indies’ spark seemed to be on the verge of being extinguished, as the Australians took a firm grip in the first Test, on day two at the Gabba, on Friday.

On a two-paced second day, the hosts worked solemnly to arrive at 8 for 480 until the declaration half an hour before tea, when the match took off and after an eventful afternoon, the visitors were 5 for 134.

West Indies began their reply in stunning fashion when Gayle exploded in the six overs ahead of the break, but the hope of a sustained fight evaporated in a frenetic hour when the visitors lost four wickets. Travis Dowlin, who is playing his third Test, was the man in charge of the recovery with 40 not out at close. Also playing a role in the recovery plot was Denesh Ramdin, who was unbeaten on 22.

Gayle arrived in Brisbane from Jamaica the day before the game and accelerated like a plane on the runway as he blasted Ben Hilfenhaus for three early fours in front of point. After the easy pace of the Australians, Gayle held the crowd’s interest and was such a worry for Ricky Ponting that he removed a third slip and put a man on the boundary instead.

The concern didn’t last long for Ponting and Gayle’s departure on 31 to an obvious lbw - he was hit on the back pad by Hilfenhaus but resisted by calling for an unnecessary review - started a horrible period for West Indies. Adrian Barath, the 19-year-old debutant, had been caught behind off a no-ball and moved to 15 when he drove at Mitchell Johnson and was taken by Shane Watson at second slip.

Australia’s batsmen had stuck to a cautious method as they resumed at 5 for 322 and built on their total through half-centuries by Marcus North and Nathan Hauritz. North was patient throughout his display and was annoyed when he lapsed against the tireless Bravo, who led the attack in Jerome Taylor’s absence with a hip injury and collected 3 for 118. What West Indies didn’t need after picking up Haddin (38) and Mitchell Johnson (7) in the first session was for Hauritz to produce his maiden half century.

While North was careful in his 79 off 157 balls, Hauritz was happy to play his shots and peaked with a couple of pulls in an over from Bravo. Hauritz, who was dropped on 5, is appearing in his first game at the Gabba since he was a Queensland representative and his 50 not out gave him a boost on a ground that hasn’t been friendly to his offspin.

North was happy to nudge, leave and defend, and perked up with a crunching straight drive off Kemar Roach for four in the same over he was struck on the arm by a nasty short ball. It was hard work for North, who added 27 in the first session and was hit again on the arm by Bravo after lunch. He swung his bat in frustration at being tricked into following a wider ball from Bravo and Ramdin took a smart catch, lunging to his left.

While Roach remained slippery throughout, Ravi Rampaul picked up his first Test wicket and Sulieman Benn was tidy, the hosts still proceeded to an intimidating total.