The 19-year-old became the youngest-ever West Indies batsman to score a hundred when he hit a stroke-filled 104 as the Caribbean side crashed to an innings and 65-run defeat in the opening Test of the three-match series.
“Brian has played a part in my development. He has given me a lot of support from as early as age 11,” said the right-hander, who became the 11th West Indies batsman to score a century on Test debut.
“He kept all the way with me and I’m sure he will be proud of my achievement for me. My family has been very supportive of me and the team here in Australia has backed me and given me the confidence that I can perform at this level.
“It is just the beginning. I know I have a lot ahead of me and I have to keep my focus.”
Lara, the record holder for the highest Test and first class scores, has mentored Barath in recent years, taking him to England two years ago to witness part of the Windies tour there.
Barath has continued to flourish since, scoring heavily in the West Indies first class tournament and this year forced his way into the Test squad to face Bangladesh before the contracts dispute scuppered a probable debut.
His first tour Down Under started shakily, however, when he fell without scoring in the first innings of the four-day match against Queensland last week but he rebounded with an attractive 74 in the second innings.
He failed with 15 in the first innings of the first Test but unleashed an array of strokes in the second innings to romp to three figures.
“It is just a matter of me making that mental adjustment and as you saw I made the adjustment and it is just a matter of building from strength to strength,” Barath explained.
“Also, in the first innings I was going a little hard at the ball. In the second innings I decided to wait a bit and let the ball come to me. I was patient and made the Australians bowl to me.
“I knew once I did that I would be in a better position to capitalise on any loose balls they delivered. Basically, I batted the way I bat all the time. I like to go for my shots, but I knew it was important to look at the match situation and the team situation and play sensibly.”
He said Saturday that he was now living his dream as he had always looked forward to playing cricket for West Indies.
“Representing your country and getting that maroon cap is something I have always been waiting for since I started the game around age 10,” he pointed out.
“That is the main thing. All youngsters understand the stature of Tests as the ultimate form of the game, the true test. Representing your county at Test level is the highest position in West Indies. Test cricket is what it comes down to.”
