West Indies [Images] all-rounder Dwayne Bravo [Images] attributed on Saturday his rich batting form to his recent success with the ball.

Bravo followed up a four-wicket haul on the opening day of the first Test against India in St John's on Friday by scoring a polished half-century on Saturday.

West Indies reached the close on 318 for six, a lead of 77 runs over India's first innings of 241.

"I know once I'm bowling well it will eventually carry on to my batting," Bravo told reporters.

"It is showing now, I'm doing well in one department so therefore I'm holding up in another department. I'm growing from strength to strength."

Bravo struck 68 off 92 balls with 11 fours. He dominated proceedings after tea with an exciting array of strokes before he was stumped by wicketkeeper Mahendra Dhoni [Images] after advancing to drive off spinner Virender Sehwag [Images].

"I'm very disappointed with the way I got out, the shot was not called for at that point in time," Bravo said.

"Denesh (Ramdin) and myself were the last two recognised batsmen, it was up to us to bat out.

"I had a flow, a rhythm and momentum going, I didn't want to get bogged down."

Bravo's impressive innings followed a return of four for 37 with his medium-pacers.

"It is a very good pitch for bowling, there was a lot of sideways movement," Bravo said.

Bravo said the series was critical for the West Indies team after their victory in the one-day tournament.

"I know that this series is a very important series for the people of the West Indies and for ourselves," he said. "We are now regrouping and our team unity is very good.

"Playing against the Indians we all have to step up a notch."