WA allrounder Ashton Agar still in mix for India tour despite wicketless performance in SCG Test

A wicketless performance in the SCG Test has not dashed Ashton Agar’s hopes of a ticket to India, with Australian captain Pat Cummins guaranteeing the left-armer a spot in the Test squad.

The West Australian’s claim to the second spinners’ spot in the XI for the subcontinent tour, starting February 9, appeared at risk after he failed to impress during the drawn third Test against South Africa.

Despite finishing the match with uninspiring figures of 0-58 from 22 overs, Cummins declared Agar – who averages 42.21 with the ball in first-class cricket – would be included in the squad, set to be announced in the coming days.

“I’m sure Ash will be there (in India). Left-arm orthodox, he’ll absolutely be there,” he said.

The skipper hit back at suggestions the SCG Test was an audition for Agar, saying the wickets in India act differently to the SCG deck, which the Australians “thought was going to spin a bit more than it did”.

“We know with an Indian wicket, sometimes it really breaks up even from the middle of the wicket,” he said.

“Then the left-arm orthodox (which Agar bowls) becomes a bit effective against right-hand batters.

“I thought he did really well… it wasn’t easy for him but I thought he did his role really well.”

Camera Icon Pat Cummins of Australia celebrates with Ashton Agar after getting the wicket of Khaya Zondo of South Africa during day four of the Third Test match in the series between Australia and South Africa at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 07, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. Credit: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Agar opened the bowling in South Africa’s second innings but didn’t look like taking a wicket, as the Aussies fell eight scalps short of a series whitewash.

Cummins said the success of part-time tweaker Travis Head (1-25 from 9 overs) would be taken into consideration, teasing Head, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne were “a real option” to partner Lyon in India.

As alluded to by the Australian captain, selectors will factor in Agar’s left-arm spin, with India’s top order made up of predominantly right-hand batters, while his ability as an all-rounder will also come into play.

The 29-year-old will get another opportunity to impress, albeit with the white ball, when he and a large contingent of the Test squad join their respective Big Bash camps.