Kraigg Brathwaite’s second Test hundred was the foundation of a formidable West Indies batting effort as the home side closed a rain-affected first day of the first Test against Bangladesh at three for 264.

On a day when the tourists relied heavily on debutant spinners Taijul Islam and Shuvagata Hom on a placid pitch at the Arnos Vale Stadium in St Vincent, Brathwaite’s unbeaten 123 off 269 deliveries reflected the 21-year-old’s unflappability.

The rookie opener put on 116 for the first wicket with Chris Gayle (64) to make Mushfiqur Rahim regret his decision to put the West Indies in to bat on winning the toss at the start of the day.

Gayle hit 10 fours and one six before he fell just after the lunch interval on Friday.

Darren Bravo joined in the steady accumulation of runs following the comparatively swift dismissal of Kirk Edwards (10), contributing 62 to a 128-run third-wicket partnership before a careless off-drive off Taijul offered a simple catch to Mahmudullah at mid-off.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul will resume on the second morning with Brathwaite after the heaviest, most sustained rainfall of the day brought an early end to play.

Braithwaite did enjoy a moment of luck after reaching three figures, Mushfiqur failing to hold on to an outside edge behind the stumps off the bowling of Shuvagata.