UPDATE 2-Cricket-Ruthless Ponting puts Australia in command

(Updates at close of play)

By Simon Evans

KINGSTON, May 22 (Reuters) - Captain Ricky Pointing struck an outstanding 158 as Australia dominated West Indies to finish at 301 for four on the opening day of the first test.

A day that began full of hope for the hosts, with Fidel Edwards dismissing both openers cheaply, ended with Australia firmly in control and looking capable of making a large first innings total on a decent track.

At stumps Brad Hodge was unbeaten on 53 alongside nightwatchman Mitchell Johnson (1).

The West Indian bowlers stuck at their task but they began to toil in the Sabina Park sun against Ponting as he made his 35th test century displaying all his experience, skill and concentration.

The Tasmanian, who scored 140 in his last test appearance, against India back in January, may have been playing one-day and Twenty20 cricket for the past three months but he looked instantly at ease in the Kingston test.

That was hardly surprising given the 33-year-old's record in the Caribbean -- this was the fourth successive test match in the region in which he has made a century.

Ponting was ably assisted by Michael Hussey and Hodge as he took Australia away from a stuttering start at 37 for two.