“The game could have been a three-day Test match ... but we had to bat out today (yesterday), lose as little wickets as possible and that was the impression we tried to make in the (team) meeting,” Lara told reporters in an end-of-the-day interview.

“I think it was an excellent effort from young (Devon) Smith, even from Wavell Hinds. Everyone chipped in, played well. Unfortunately, Marlon (Samuels) got out but these things happen.

“I am very proud of my team-mates. I think we played well so far and hopefully, tomorrow (today) we can continue,” Lara remarked.

“I think we got a good team spirit and I draw my strength from within the team. The guys were really focused knowing we were behind the eight-ball and maybe we are still behind the eight-ball but I think the team performance for the three days was excellent, a lot of courage,” noted Lara.

Lara said he relishes batting in situations where he has to pull the team out of trouble.

“Sometimes you’ve got to go out there and fight and show true grit and that’s what I’m made of. I really go out there and fight, especially in desperate situations,” Lara declared.

But the World double record holder, despite stroking his way to a fine 110, laced with 20 fours, said he was “very disappointed” with the way he got out - hit wicket - sweeping at a delivery from left-arm spinner Brad Hogg.

“My plan was not to get out today. They (Australia) were always in the game but we have given them the upper hand coming into the last hour and a half.

Definitely, it was a very disappointing way to go,” Lara said.

“Most times you just want to stay out there after getting a hundred; seeing the ball big, you want to go on, especially with the situation the game is in at present. I’ve been out hit wicket before but not in that way. It’s unfortunate, hopefully it won’t happen again,” Lara added.

Lara lauded fellow Trinidadian Daren Ganga, who featured in a face-saving third-wicket partnership of 185 runs with him.

“I always know Daren to be a very good player.

Technically, he’s very sound and he showed that today, coupled with runs,” Lara said.

“What he’s been missing in the past is a big score in Test cricket. He’s got it today. Unfortunately, he got out in the end but I know I can depend on him to hold up an end and we played really well together,” Lara remarked.

Lara made it clear his innings was not a means of putting over a point to Guyanese cricket fans, many of whom are peeved with the sacking of their countryman Carl Hooper as West Indies captain.

“I think the Guyanese are supporting West Indies. It doesn’t matter how dissatisfied they are with whatever situation. I am a member of the West Indies team and as far as I am concerned, the support seems to be 100 per cent for all of us,” Lara declared.

“We have to go out there and do a job. Everybody is not going to like you but you got to go and do a job and that’s what I went out there to do,” Lara said.

With five centuries already scored in the match over the first three days, Lara admitted the pitch is not a bowler-friendly surface and did not believe Australia missed suspended leg-spinner Shane Warne and ace fast bowler Glenn McGrath.

“Any bowler will struggle on this pitch … Credit must be given to the guys who are present. Vasbert Drakes, I think (Jason) Gillespie bowled well and Bichel. It’s a pitch ready-made for batting and that’s what we showed today (yesterday).

“I think they are still in a very strong position.