Steve Smith showers praise on young Ashton Agar

Young Ashton Agar caught everybody’s attention when he was included in the squads of Western Australia, the Perth Scorchers as well as the national side at the age of just 19 years. Moreover, to have played a knock of 98 on his Test debut and not two more runs to get his maiden century must have been equally frustrating for the southpaw as well as the admiring onlookers.

Now, after 4 years, Agar is set to pick up from where he left and continue his Test career. Australian captain, Steve Smith expressed his faith in Agar ahead of his comeback and showered ample praise on the youngster.

After having played just 2 Tests for Australia, Agar chose to concentrate more on establishing himself within the domestic cricketing circle and did so in leaps and bounds. He’s emerged as a dependable all-rounder in domestic cricket and seems to be ready to extend his contributions to the national level. Smith spoke at length to cricket.com.au on Wednesday about Agar and lauded him richly for his growth as a cricketer.

Agar has potential to rise through the ranks, feels Smith

Although Ashton Agar is expected to bat down at number 8 in the upcoming series against Bangladesh, skipper Steve Smith is confident that the 23-year old has it in him to work his way to the top order.

“I think he could certainly end up in the top six, I think he’s got that ability. Right now I’m not sure, he’s probably playing mainly as a spinner who can bat a bit, somewhere like where I started probably. But I think he’s certainly got the capability to bat in the top six at some point,” said Smith.

He also voiced his confidence about Agar developing into a sound all-rounder in the years to come, where he’ll be able to play a role with both bat and ball. Further, the Australian captain spoke about how Agar had shown immense talent earlier this year, in the nets during the Test series against India.

Speaking about the same, Smith said, “The last Test series was in India and conditions will be similar (in Bangladesh). It looked like he has some really good plans against spin. Lavishing more praise on the young lad, Steve Smith deconstructed Agar’s playing style and said, “He’s a different sort of batter; he’s got a very free-flowing and unique swing.”