Glenn McGrath produced another masterclass to put Australia in control of the first Test against West Indies in Brisbane.

The veteran paceman recorded figures of four for 58 as the tourists struggled in response to Australia's first-innings total of 435, closing on 182 for six.

Devon Smith was a notable exception, the opener scoring an impressive 88 before being snared late in the day by McGrath.

Earlier, the Aussie tail had enabled the home side to move past 400 with Shane Warne (47), Brett Lee (47) and Nathan Bracken (37) all making sizeable contributions as the wayward Windies bowlers struggled to make an impact.

Resuming on 340 for seven, Lee and Warne put on another 29 - extending their partnership to 75 - before the latter succumbed to Daren Powell's first delivery of the day.

Lee and Bracken added a further 48 before Powell struck again to remove Lee and the innings was finally wrapped up when Fidel Edwards removed Bracken.

The tourists had impressed on the opening day but their inability to make inroads on the second morning had put them on the back foot and Australia were quick to take advantage when they went into the field.

Chris Gayle made just 10 before a needless slash outside off stump saw him nick a McGrath outswinger with wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist taking a simple catch.

Smith prospered in tandem with Ramnaresh Sarwan as the scoreboard ticked over at nearly six an over with Lee coming in for some particularly rough treatment.

The score had raced on to 74 when McGrath induced a hesitant prod from Sarwan (21) with Gilchrist again the recipient.

Brian Lara was next in, desperate to make a big score after struggling during the recent ICC Super Series.

He survived a tough spell before tea as the Aussies sought to ram home their advantage but never looked comfortable at the crease and was eventually trapped lbw by Lee for 30.

The rot had set in and, as the light faded, the hosts took wickets at regular intervals.

Captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul contributed just two before Warne struck while Marlon Samuels added five.

The last man to fall was Smith, who fully deserved his warm ovation from the Gabba crowd.

The 24-year-old from Grenada had looked a class above his team-mates but he too was unable to see off McGrath as the wily New South Welshman got one to nip back from around the wicket which removed the batsman's off stump.

The Windies' first target on Saturday will be to see off the threat of the follow-on. They are currently 253 runs behind.