The glee written all over Ashton Agar’s face said more than a thousand words ever could.
It was panacea for the cricketing sceptic who believed the baggy green cap meant nothing to the modern day cricketer and tonic to the supporter who had painted every current player as a mercenary.
As Glenn McGrath stepped forward with a green and gold bag in his hand the look on the face of the 19-year-old was similar to one you’d see on the face of a boy 10-years his junior on Christmas morning.
The left arm spinner only made his first class debut on the 24th of January this year, but had impressed with 31 wickets in 10-matches leading into the first test.
To describe his inclusion as bold would be an understatement.
If new coach Darren Lehmann was looking for a way to make his mark on the Australian side then the XI sent into battle at Trent Bridge was a fierce opening shot across the bow of anyone who had grown complacent.
The decision to drop Nathan Lyon, especially after the off-spinner took nine-wickets in his last test against India in Delhi, seems harsh.
The South Australian has never really cemented his spot in the Australian side, but has provided a service without being spectacular.
It’s possible that he too has fallen victim to the “not being Shane Warne” factor, but it’s also more likely Agar was chosen for his ability to take the ball away from the right-hander.
That opens up the possibility of a horses for courses selection policy, but is that really the best thing for a 19-year-old?
They didn’t choose him to debut in some meaningless fixture. They threw him straight into the blinding glare of an Ashes series opener.
It is the most anticipated test in a long time.
Cricket Australia has made the call to blood him in an arena that has cracked veterans let alone rookies.
They need to stick by this kid or risk ruining his confidence.
If the plan isn’t for this to be the start of an extended run in the side then it was the wrong call.
Spinners, above all else, need time.
There is no magic formula – especially for a teenager with little to no first class experience.
It’s fine to be excited by his inclusion and intrigued by what follows, but he’s about to go on a journey where not every day will be easy.
There’ll be tests where his inclusion will look like a disaster and nothing will go right.
At these times he’ll need the backing of the coach, captain and selectors more than ever as the public grows restless.
If they’re patient then they’ll have a better chance of their investment paying big dividends, but if they’re hasty then the post Warne spin circus will continue.
John Hamilton
Roar Pro
I know hindsight makes it easier but I wonder if Agars batting influenced the decision
Lancey5times
Guest
I don't see the problem with him maybe not getting an extended run as long as it is communicated effectively. If he was chosen due to the make up of the English batting line up then I hope he has been informed of this. Why not have 2 spinners with a likelihood of playing? We have more than 3 quicks
whitey
Guest
Lyon treated very ,very poorly again , if they want a left arm spinner who can bat there's a bloke called O'Keefe running around for NSW. Who ever O'Keefe upset must have some clout.
Kris Swales
Expert
Bloody tough call on Lyon, but he's a real competitor and I expect we'll see him again soon. The Poms would have been as unfamiliar with Agar if he was thrown into the third test as they will be here. Good to see the kid bowl with plenty of loop though.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
He's just another disposable Australian slow bowler who will play a couple of tests and be discarded with his file stamped 'confidence destroyed'. If Warne had been treated the way the Australian spinners who followed him were, he'd be the answer to the cricket trivia question 'What Australian slow bowler played one test, took one wicket and has a bowling average of 150 ?'
JMW
Guest
All the talk about Warne is tiresome. He's long gone and it's time to get over him and finish with these misty eyed comparisons. He was clearly a once in a generation freak! The selectors obviously see something in Agar they want. They've seen him more than us. Nerves not withstanding a few runs ( seemingly an impossible task for Lyon!) may settle his nerves and a couple of England's right handers in the second innings may well justify his selection. Agar also looks to be a more confident and athletic fielder than his predessor. Sound fielding will prove vital in a tight, low scoring test match. Agar may well hit the wining runs yet - fingers crossed!
Bee Bee
Guest
This is looking like turning into a PR disaster for the selectors should Australia lose this test. Spin bowlers more than any other role thrive off confidence. Hence why Shane Warne was so good. He was so full of self confidence he could get hit all over the park and truly believe he had the batsmen right where he wanted them. I hope Lyon has some self-belief left after this. He's going to need it.
JJ
Guest
I think it's clear what we're attempting to do with this selection. It's all about unsettling England plain and simple. Lyon might be marginally better, but this is a great psychological play. Puts odds on Lyon playing a test, but also on Fahad as well. Usi will get a gig as will Warner, but Lehmann will play his cards at the right time. This is a brilliant call and shows how Aussies, not South Africans or kiwis compete. Proud of the selectors for the first time in years. A very smart play.
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
Match figures of 9/165, I believe. But I guess that doesn't mean much these days?
pope paul v11
Guest
Lyon should get a lawyer. 7/94 in his last test. Maybe he and Usi can commence a class action.
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
Very talented young guy. I just hope that when he cops some stick and eventually gets dropped as all the spinners since Warne have, that he keeps working to get better. Its always hard for someone of 19 with all the wraps to live up to it. BTW anyone see Usman at the ceremony for Agar's test cap. The look on his face said it all. Angry at being left out once again for Mr 32 Cowan
Matlock
Guest
Agreed - this is a risky decision in a massive game! I hope he proves me wrong, but I think Lyon deserved the first go at proving himself....
Jayden
Guest
Imadamant that lyon is much better, something we'll come to see as this game progresses