PORT-OF-SPAIN, April 22: West Indies batsman Daren Ganga, who went 17 Tests without scoring a century but has now hit hundreds in each of his last two, says he always had confidence in his ability.

Written off by some pundits as he went into the series against Australia with an average of 22.96, Ganga said he had learned a lot from his earlier frustrations.

“I always knew I had the ability and capability to score at this level,” Ganga told reporters on Monday after scoring 117 to help West Indies avoid the follow-on in the second Test.

The 24-year-old also became the first Trinidadian to score a ton in Port-of-Spain since Larry Gomes against India in 1983 as West Indies were bowled out for 408 in reply to Australia’s first innings 576 for four declared.

The tourists were 31 for one in their second innings at the close of play on the third day.

“In those 17 Tests, I developed as a player and we are beginning to see that development transformed into scores,” said Ganga.

“I would not say I was not ready but now I’m beginning to reap the rewards. It made me a tougher cricketer, it helped me develop.

“I wanted to do something special in front of my home crowd. I had good support from (captain) Brian (Lara) and the rest of the guys.

“All along I have taken my cricket very seriously...now I hope I can play a big part in West Indies cricket,” said Ganga, who was eventually caught by Matthew Hayden off paceman Brett Lee.

Australia leg-spinner Stuart MacGill reached a personal milestone on Monday, claiming his 100th Test victim in his 21st appearance when Carlton Baugh was out hit wicket for 19.

“I’ve never seen a hit-wicket in first class cricket and now we’ve had two in the same series,” said MacGill.

“The thing that amazed me was how hard he hit it,” added 32-year-old MacGill, who went on to pick up his 101st wicket when he had Marlon Samuels caught by Andy Bichel for 68.

“It’s a pretty significant milestone for a bowler. At the beginning of the domestic season I wondered if I would get there.

“I’m not getting any younger, there’s lots of guys coming up and there’s an air of change,” said MacGill.—Reuters