Rookie teenaged batsman Adrian Barath says he is relishing the challenge of facing Aussie speed ace Brett Lee on the upcoming three-Test tour Down Under.

The right-hander was named in a 15-man West Indies squad on Monday for the tour where the regional squad will play matches in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

"I have prepared myself mentally on how to go about playing against the Aussies and I hope that things work out for me," Barath said yesterday.

"Brett Lee and the others are very good bowlers but I think that once I bat within myself and focus on the job at hand, I would be OK."

poised for Test debut

The 19-year-old Barath seems poised to make his Test debut on tour as he is the only other specialist opener named in the squad, apart from captain Chris Gayle.

He had been expected to make his debut earlier this year against Bangladesh when he was selected in the squad for the first Test but the subsequent contracts impasse scuppered that move.

Barath told CMC Sports he was elated that the selectors had kept faith with him.

"I am thrilled to get on the West Indies team. This is my second call-up and I am hoping that it is better than the first," he said.

"Remember the Bangladesh tour, where I did not play because of contractual problems. However, all that is over now and I am looking to make a positive start."

Barath, a prolific scorer in regional cricket, said he was focusing on his mental preparation as this would be crucial against the Australians.

"The Australians are a tough team and it will be tough for me but I am as prepared as I can be at the moment," he pointed out.

"Mentally, I have to be strong against the Australians and I have been working on the mental aspect of my game."

West Indies are scheduled to leave on Tuesday for the tour.