New Delhi, Feb 21: West Indies batting legend Vivian Richards has lauded swashbuckling New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum for posting the fastest ton in Test cricket off just 54 balls, bidding adieu to the game on an incredible high. [54-ball ton! Is McCullum really retiring? it seems he has just 're-tyred']

Richards, who held the record for the quickest hundred in Tests off 56 balls jointly with Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq till McCullum broke it yesterday, was all praise for the Kiwi skipper for his record-breaking feat.

"Let me take this opportunity to congratulate Brendon...(I've) been a great fan of yours for many years. Well done on your achievement," said Richards in the video on Twitter, posted by Pakistan Super League (PSL) side Quetta Gladiators.

Brendon McCullum smashes fastest ever Test ton against Australia, hits record century in 54 balls

"And if there was going to be an individual who you would've liked to have surpassed whatever you would've achieved in life, certainly it would be you. You're one of those individuals who help to put bums on seats. Long may that continue. Well done, man," he added.

McCullum came to bat when New Zealand were struggling at 32 for three on the opening day of the first Test against Australia at Christchurch.

McCullum smashed 100 runs off just 54 deliveries to pull New Zealand out of trouble and in the process also broke Richards' record set against England in 1986.

PTI