Wrist spinners will be crucial in this series

Although it’s been more than four years since he made his international debut in a highstakes Ashes contest at Trent Bridge as a raw 19-year-old, Agar has only eight caps and a measly return of 12 wickets across all three formats. Almost every scribe was seen skimming over his profile on a popular cricketing website to keep themselves abreast of his notable, in case there were any, performances just so that they will not be left with their mouths gaping not knowing what pertinent questions to ask. After a rather extended, if unwilling, stay in the wilderness, the 23-year-old was recently picked for Australia’s two-Test tour against Bangladesh. Included in the team for the ODI series against India, Agar was asked how it felt to be back in the mix on the big stage. 

“It felt so happy to be back. I bowled with a lot more calm and felt more comfortable. It’s amazing what four years of experience can do and I was pleased with the way I performed. It was nice to end the tour on a high by winning the second Test,” said the left-arm spinner. Asked if Australia will stand benefited from the absence of opener Shikhar Dhawan for the first three ODIs, Agar replied that it would certainly be an advantage. 

"Yes, I think he (Dhawan) is in form. So, him not playing is a positive for us. And yeah it can make it hard for a bowling team when you have a left-right combination, when the ball is swinging a certain way,” added Agar. 

With leg-spinner Adam Zampa being the first-choice tweaker, Agar was asked if there would be room to accommodate two spinners in the starting eleven. “It all depends on the wicket. Adam knows the conditions well as he has played in the IPL and has been on previous tours to India. If the wicket permits, there may be a chance of playing two spinners,” remarked Agar. 

Having lived a life away from the spotlight for a couple of years, Agar was asked how productively he spent his time and the lessons he imbibed. “I have done a lot of hard work since 2015, and I know my game a lot better. I now know what works for me in the middle. It’s all about self-belief at this level. My self-belief is high at the moment which is good,” explained Agar. 

The beanpole of a cricketer emphasized the growing impact of wrist spinners in limited overs game. 

“Wrist spinners are a valuable asset as they can spin the ball both ways. Playing under lights will make it that much harder to pick the wrong-un’s. They are wicket-taking bowlers. I think they will play a major role in this series. I think the contest between both Chahal and Zampa will be interesting because they don’t look for the wicket to aid their style,” concluded Agar.