The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) extends congratulations to Leon Johnson on making his debut to Test cricket; opening the batting for the West Indies in the second Test match against Bangladesh in St.Luica.

Johnson replaced West Indies prolific opener, Chris Gayle who missed the game for personal reasons, and he made use of the opportunity, registering a crafty half century in the first innings (66) which featured in a century opening stand with Craig Braithwaite.

The GCB is extremely proud of this promising 27 year old left-handed batsman. We believe the Guyana 2013 captain has been ready for the challenge at the highest level for some time now. We are elated that he is given the chance to start his journey as a West Indies Test player.

We believe he has the right attitude and discipline to compliment his skills and talent as a top cricketer. We fully support him and are urging Guyanese and West Indies supporters to rally hard behind him as he seeks to score well consistently and hold his place in the team.

Leon Johnson has been playing cricket at the first class level since the age of 16 when Guyana took on Leeward Islands at Enmore in 2004. He also captained the West Indies Under-19 in the World Cup in 2005-06.

His consistent performances saw him making his ODI debut in the tri -series involving Canada and Bermuda in 2008 where he scored 51 in the second match. He played three matches in all.

The executives, members and staff of the GCB wish Johnson well as a West Indies player. We urge him to do justice to his selection and continue to make us proud.