Australian vice-captain Ricky Ponting, who hit a career-best 206 in Australia's imposing total of 576 for four, said Lara's dismissal has opened up the floodgates.

"Getting Brian tonight (late yesterday) was a big thing for us as far as momentum goes," Ponting told reporters after the day's play.

"(Daren) Ganga has played pretty well. He looks pretty solid but they got a new batsman in so hopefully we can attract him with probably one of the quicks and one of the spinners early up," Ponting remarked.

"If we get one of these guys, we think we have a bit of a chance to go through them. They got a few inexperienced blokes coming in lower in the order and hopefully the spinners can do most of the damage tomorrow (today)," Ponting noted.

Wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, who made his 8th Test century and added 171 runs for the fourth wicket with Ponting, lauded left-arm spinner Brad Hogg for taking the prized wicket of Lara, who had stroked 10 fours and three sixes in an attractive knock of 91.

"He is creating a bit of reputation with the flipper about knocking over pretty good players, stemming from the World Cup where he knocked over Andy Flower.

"He is developing that delivery very well and to get Brian at that stage while the momentum was with the West Indies, makes the day feel much more commanding than maybe coming in with two down with Brian either a hundred not out for 90 not out," Gilchrist said.

"It gives a good fresh start for tomorrow," added Gilchrist, who said he was pleased with his unbeaten century.

"It's my first one against the West Indies. It's another nice little milestone in your career as I missed out when I got 87 in Sydney against the West Indies a few years ago," Gilchrist said.

Gilchrist said he is not one for records and is not concerned about the fact that he is the only modern-day batsman with an average of 60-plus.