'He stirred up the Aussies, Steve Waugh wasn't that pleased' - Shane Watson recalls Ajit Agarkar's brilliance in 1999 Australia tour

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson enjoyed a sensational run in the international arena as he shared the stage with several legends of the game and retired as one of the best all-rounders ever. As of now, he is serving Delhi Capitals as an assistant coach alongside former Indian pacer Ajit Agarkar. Recalling his memory of Agarkar, Watson walked down the memory lane and shared an anecdote from India’s 1999 tour of Australia.

Agarkar was one of India’s primary pacers in that tour and scalped 11 wickets in three Tests. While these numbers may not be staggering, Watson stated Agarkar brought much more to the table. He revealed that the then Aussie skipper Steve Waugh wasn’t pleased with the Indian pacer for attacking him with short-pitch deliveries.

Ajit Agarkar is a really nice person and knows how to connect with people: Shane Watson

“Ajit Agarkar is just an awesome guy. I have played a little bit against him, more so towards the back end of his career. Javagal Srinath bowled good pace but Ajit… I remember him coming into the Australia summer – I think it was 1999, Brett Lee’s debut year – he came and bowled at great pace,” Watson said on the Delhi Capitals podcast.

“He stirred up the Aussies a lot, in a big way. I remember him trying to bounce out Steve Waugh and Steve Waugh wasn’t that pleased,” he added. Meanwhile, Watson lavished massive praises on Agarkar’s credentials as a coach, stating the former pacer has got immense respect within the group.

“But the knowledge that he has got… he’s a really nice person and knows how to connect with people really well. Obviously, he’s got great respect within the group as well for what he’s achieved as a cricketer. But he is just a generally good person who cares for people so his ability to connect and talk about things and help people out is brilliant,” Watson highlighted.