Opposition leader Basdeo Panday has extended congratulations to teenage batsman Adrian Barath on his debut Test century for the West Indies against Australia last weekend.

The 19-year-old Barath became the youngest West Indies player to score a century on debut when he struck 104 on the third day of the first Test which West Indies lost by an innings and 65 runs at the Gabba in Brisbane.

In a media release yesterday, Panday said: ’...Eclipsing the 79-year-old record held by George Headley has brought pride, joy and happiness to all Trinidadians and Tobagonians and West Indians. You have inducted yourself into the pantheon of greats...joining illustrious West Indies cricketers George Headley, Lawrence Rowe, Gordon Greenidge and Alvin Kallicharan.

’...May you continue with resolve, determination and perseverance, coupled with your intense talent, to achieve greater successes in your Test career thereby creating excitement, joy and pride to all Caribbean citizens,’ the release concluded.

The second Test match between West Indies and Australia starts in Adelaide on Friday (7:30 p.m. Thursday T&T time).