Ashton Agar became an overnight sensation in England, now the spinner might be given a chance to dazzle locals in the fourth Test.
Agar received a surprise call-up to Australia’s Test squad for the SCG clash with India, 18 months after his last-wicket heroics at Trent Bridge.
Agar, then 19, famously made 98 and broke several Test records.
It was the highest score by a No.11 batsman and his 163-run partnership with Phillip Hughes was also a record for the last wicket.
National selectors will be more interested in his ability to turn the ball as they mull an XI for the final chapter of the four-Test series, which starts on January 6.
“He’s bowling very well at the moment,” Australia captain Steve Smith said.
“He’s a good addition to the squad. We’ll see how the wicket is in Sydney when we get there and we’ll go from there.”
Agar’s fame was best reflected by the fact his name was trending worldwide on Twitter shortly after the third Test petered out to draw in Melbourne.
The 21-year-old’s addition is the only change to the squad that drew with India on Tuesday at the MCG.
Smith suggested pacemen Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson and Josh Hazlewood were “ok” after the third Test.
Selectors may want to rest Harris, who missed the second Test due to a minor quad strain.
But the 35-year-old is keen to go again after earning man-of-the-match honours in Melbourne.
“I’m playing in Sydney, if I get picked,” Harris said.
“I had a couple of good days leading into this Test, which helped I guess.
“I felt pretty good coming in.
“I just lacked a little bit at the end … I couldn’t get the pace, but that’s probably more fitness than anything.”
Australia’s Test squad for fourth Test: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Steve Smith (capt), Shaun Marsh, Joe Burns, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Ashton Agar.
AAP rf/gc
Shouts Chen
Guest
Would be better to have him in the 4th Test at the SCG. I haven't seen him bowling in the Test series since the Ashes 2013. His high score of 98 made the Australians feel proud. That was an unbelievable effort from a cricketer on debut, batting at No 11 and also highest partnership on the 10th wicket. I would like to see him bat in no 5 of the Sydney Test match after Steven Smith.
DT
Guest
Is this just a copy and paste off the ABC grandstand website? I swear just read this -word for word.
blanco
Guest
Agar replacing Watson??Very funny! No chance of this happening. There is however a possibility that he could replace Burns but I think selectors are better off sticking to the same 11.
Timmuh
Roar Guru
Agar for Watson? I doubt it after Watson actually scored a 50. He'll probably come in for Burns if he plays. Or Lyon might get dumped again on few failures. (Unlike others, who almost seem to get rewarded for their failures.)
JMW
Guest
SOK out bowled pencil neck...again...Agar, my dead Grandmother spun it further.
13th Man
Roar Pro
Yeah I would pick SOK or Boyce if we needed a second spinner. I do not think it is that, He will play as an all rounder or he wont play at all I think.
13th Man
Roar Pro
Bizarre, He hasnt played that well in shield cricket so I dont think he is in as a bowler only. My guess is that if he plays it will be as an all rounder at 7 and replacing Watson which I am ok with and then Burns going to 3. I do think we will be a touch light in the batting department though, but Agar is no worse than Watson.
ES
Guest
That's the only way it makes sense. Get him in to bowl holding overs while the pace bowlers rest. I'd be nervous about our batting depth with Haddin at 6, Agar 7. Would presumably mean that Burns goes to 3?
Armchair Expert
Guest
Correct Matt, SOK has missed recent Big Bash games with a calf strain, I would of selected Zampa or Boyce ahead of Agar.
Armchair Expert
Guest
Correct JGK, this shield season he's averaging 63 with the ball and 26 with the bat, last season it was 55 with the ball,15 with the bat.
abigail
Guest
Maybe he has been selected as a specialist twelfth man. He did put on an outstanding fielding display in the recent Big Bash game. Although he is very talented, he certainly hasn't been selected on his recent Shield bowling form.
Dom
Guest
Selectors obviously feel we need to strengthen our batting at No.11. There is no other reason I can think of why Agar is seen as our next best spinner, beside the fact we gave him a go once in the Ashes for some reason. Zero chance they drop one of the quicks for him anyway, surely.
Matth
Guest
I think this may be a selection as a bowling all rounder, playing at 7 with Haddin at 6, and replace Watson. If the pitch is a turner that might be the way to go, otherwise he will be carrying the drinks. This just provides the option, given Maxwell has crashed and burned lately
Matth
Guest
He's also injured apparently
Rabbits
Guest
Agar's selection is strange seeing that he isn't bowling any better than SOK or Zampa. If Australia needs a second spinner what about Smith and bat him at No.6.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
SoK's record warrants selection, but it must be said over in the UAE he looked average. He only got the one test mind you.
Rellum
Roar Guru
?? What happened to SoK, Boyce and Zampa?
JGK
Roar Guru
Isn't Agar averaging about 60 in Shield this season? With the ball I mean.