Ashton Agar included for Sydney Ashes Test

The Aussies have dominated the Ashes series so far. They have taken a 3-0 lead inside the first three Tests itself and have regained the Urn. With the fourth Test likely to end in a draw, they have the option to rest few players and give a chance to the others. The Ashes was not expected to be a one-sided affair as it has been. England have dearly missed Ben Stokes but the existing players also haven’t made any significant contributions.

Ashton Agar has been included in the extended squad for the fifth Test in Sydney. If he plays in the XI, it would be his first Test on home soil. In recent times Sydney has become a paradise for spinners and Agar may be seen partnering Lyon for the fifth Test. He was the preferred option over Steve O’ Keefe and Jon Holland.

Agar has always been in the shadows of Nathan Lyon. He has been the second choice spinner for recent overseas tours. Injuries had ruled him out of the early part of the domestic season. With Aussies going for one spinner in most of the home games, Agar is bound to get only limited opportunities. Lyon’s top performances haven’t helped his cause.

Agar feels that he has been bowling better than ever in the longest format of the game. “I think so,” he was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. “It comes down to understanding your action, what your best ball is, what you can fall back to and just thinking of getting the batter out. I’m not thinking about my action anymore or how the ball is coming out. All I’m thinking about is how to get the batter out at any point in time or the game situation.”

Jon Holland has done well in the Sheffield Shield. However, O’ Keefe and Agar have lacked game time due to injuries. With Starc still doubtful for the final Test, it remains to be seen if Agar can prove his worth to the team.

Australia’s 14-man squad for fifth Ashes Test: Steve Smith (c), David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Agar, Peter Handscomb.

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