Australia find novel opening bat solution in Ashton Agar

As Australia continue searching for the perfect formula to defend their T20 World Cup crown, they found an interesting solution on Tuesday night in the form of Ashton Agar. 

Almost nine years on from his historic 98 on Test debut against England, batting at number 11, Agar’s batting journey came full circle at Manuka Oval when he opened the batting against Sri Lanka, as the hosts wrapped up the five-game series by taking a 3-0 lead.

The left-arm orthodox spinner didn’t set the world on fire in his 13 runs off 13 balls, outside of blasting Maheesh Theekshana for six over deep mid-wicket, but should he nail down a top-order batting spot, the 28-year-old will unlock a series of options for Australia.

Most notably, it means they could play three genuine spinners with Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell already T20 regulars.

Agar said opening the batting was a pre-planned experiment, having been told it was likely should he break into the team.

“That to me was really exciting and it was received with great excitement as well,” he said.

“I had good chats… the main messages really were to not over complicate things.

“If you move around too much, particularly if the ball is starting to move around, that’s when you find yourself in trouble.

“And when the ball is up, I guess trusting your swing as much as you can.”