Social media erupted last night with the inclusion of Ashton Agar to the Australian squad for the final Test against India.
Names such as Cameron Boyce, Adam Zampa and Steve O’Keefe were thrown around, with many unsure how Agar – who has an average of 44 in first-class cricket – deserves to be picked.
Ashton Agar’s name first entered the spotlight 18 months ago when he made 98 on debut in the First Ashes Test in England. Since his return to Western Australia he has started the season slowly, with 130 runs at an average of 26 batting at number seven and just 7 wickets at an average 45.1 in his four games.
Agar however has had injury issues during the winter, unable to take part in the National Performance Squad matches in Darwin with a knee injury.
With Agar suffering some tendon damage to his left knee following a net session it left him unable to bowl and train, putting him behind his teammates during the preseason and leading into the 2014-15 Sheffield Shield competition.
As unimpressive as Agar’s record is in the Sheffield Shield this season, his main rivals too have struggled. Boyce and Zampa have been suggested as possible inclusions early in the summer, however Boyce has taken 8 wickets at an average of 35.3 and Zampa has taken 9 wickets at an average of 46.7.
Neither have a solid record in 2014 and with the possibility of nerves and erratic bowling on debut, Agar is likely to be included in order to keep the pressure on the Indian batsmen who have scored freely in this series.
Steve O’Keefe was the last Australian spinner to debut and is currently injured, hence why Australia has chosen Agar. Not to mention the out-of-form Glenn Maxwell, who could do with more Big Bash League games before a likely World Cup call up.
Ricky Ponting is a big believer in Agar, recently saying that Agar could be a smokey for the World Cup in February. Agar is a great fielder and after Australia’s struggles in the field, Agar may add another dimension to the fielding.
With Shane Watson struggling and Joe Burns’ average debut, Agar could slot in at number six, or possibly even seven with Brad Haddin moving up to six, helping Australia’s lower order to combat the spin of Ravichandran Ashwin on a likely turner at the Sydney Cricket Ground. With Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris firing with the bat, Australia believe they can take the risk and play two spinners without reducing their overall batting class.
Agar’s inclusion to the squad is likely to cause a stir, but with his all-round game Agar could impact the dead rubber at the SCG, should the pitch suit Australia to play an extra spinner.
VivGilchrist
Guest
Agar has a FC batting average of 24 and you want him to bat 6? Why are we gifting Test matches to players that are below average at FC level?
Tristan
Guest
SCG pitch is not a drop in wicket. Only regular Test match grounds in Australia that are drop ins are MCG and Adelaide (now)
Armchair Expert
Guest
You're probably right Nudge, but the only way for Agar to prove his talent is to perform well in the Sheffield shield, at least M.Marsh had good 1st class form before test selection.
Matt
Roar Rookie
On what basis is Agar a talent? The logic seems to be "He's a good kid and can bat a bit", as it was with Mitch Marsh. Granted, Marsh has done quite well but what is a better indicator of talent than high performance at First Class level? Neither of these guys have looked particularly impressive in domestic competition. I can't help but feel SOK would be the call up if it wasn't for his injury.
Matt
Roar Rookie
They seem to have patience with over-30 also rans - Alex Doolan got 4 tests and Shaun Marsh has had a few bites - but young guys like Burns tend to get short-changed.
Matt
Roar Rookie
The difference being that Smith averages around 50 with the bat, whereas Agar is dining out on a single knock.
Rob JM
Guest
Agar's inclusion shows just how weak australia's spin stocks are right now. On the other side I'm Not sure if I would prefer Agar or Watson based on form!
SuperEel22
Roar Guru
Brain explosion by the selectors here. Agar's done nothing to even warrant selection and selecting him to partner Lyon would be moronic. Only two spin duos in the past 20 years have picked up 2 wickets or more in a match at the SCG, and they were Warne?McGill and Kumble/Harbhajan. The SCG, due to being a drop-in, no longer breaks up as much as it used to and to suggest that a net bowler such as Agar could take the spot of an all-rounder/batsman is laughable in the extreme.
Camo McD
Roar Guru
Agar is definitely a talent and one for the future but his form over the last season and a half has been awful. Better to pick him when his confidence is higher from some good recent performances I reckon. If we needed a second spinner, I wouldn't have minded a look at Fawad - he has done OK for Victoria in the Shield.
Nudge
Guest
The selectors are identifying huge talents within Aus cricket, and trying to fast track them. Mitch Marsh and Agar are definitely huge talents.
Chris Brindley
Guest
I hope he isn't in for Burns. We lament new guys getting dropped but then seem to want to push them out if they don't have the best start. I think (batsmen particularly) should get at least five tests guaranteed when they come in to the team.
Foot
Guest
Smith's bowling is around second grade standard.....as is Agar's
Matt Balmer
Roar Rookie
I don't thiink he will play, as you say he doesn't deserve to on his form. It's a dead rubber, hence why Australia could take a risk. Lyon is fit to play, I still think Smith should concentrate on bowling as he could be our second spinner. Happy New Year
jamesb
Guest
Happy New Year Matt I don't know why Agar has been considered. Is he a cover for Lyon? I didn't see Lyon picking up an injury. Agars batting is similar to someone like Mitch Johnson. And with Haddins poor form with the bat, putting him at number six would be a disaster. I hope Agar doesn't get picked, simply because he doesn't deserve to get picked. Hasn't taken any wickets or scored any serious runs. Picking players such as this is one of the reasons why Australia consistently lose a series.
Fadida
Guest
Haddin at 6? You're 'avin a laugh