All-rounder Justin Greaves was one of three players with half-centuries as West Indies rallied on day one of their three-day tour match against Cricket Australia XI.

After the Caribbean side lost three wickets for three runs in the space of 23 deliveries, the right-hander produced a top score of 65, as the visitors ended on 251 for 8 at the Karen Rolton Oval.

Greaves anchored a 120-run, fifth wicket stand with Kavem Hodge who made 52, before West Indies lost four wickets for eight runs towards the end.

The other half-century came from Captain Kraigg Brathwaite, hitting 52 to provide his side with a sound start when they opted to bat after winning the toss.

Brathwaite struck a few boundaries as he put on a crucial 54 for the first wicket with left-hander Tagenarine Chanderpaul who made 17, and a further 46 for the second wicket with left-hander Kirk McKenzie who struck 23.

Chanderpaul struck a few sweetly-timed drives before edging a delivery at seamer Bradley Hope and falling to a catch, West Indies headed to lunch on 70 for 1.

McKenzie’s fell about 45 minutes following the resumption, off pacer Jack Nisbet (2-50) and triggered a slide with Alick Athanaze (0) and Brathwaite following quickly.

Athanaze top-edged at seamer Liam Haskett (3-57) and was taken by the keeper while Brathwaite scooped left-arm spinner Doug Warren (2-47) to backward square, after facing 129 deliveries and striking eight fours.

Greaves, struck 10 fours from 135 balls then combined with Hodge, who faced 101 deliveries scoring five fours and a six, to steer West Indies safely on 160 for 4.

Greaves reached his 50 with a single to mid-on off Warren while Hodge, brought up his landmark by clearing the ropes off spinner Tim Ward.

Both fell in successive overs, Warren bowled Hodge and Greaves playing on to Haskett.