Ashton Agar - the record-breaking Aussie teenage debutant

Ashton Agar celebrates his half-century during day two of the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge on July 11, 2013 (Credit: Getty Images)

Just a few weeks ago, 19-year-old Ashton Agar was playing for Henley Cricket Club in the Home Counties Premier Cricket League in England and was looking forward to spending the English summer as an Australian Institute of Sports scholar. Fast forward to 10th June 2013, the young Aussie of Sri Lankan descent made his test debut in the first test of the Ashes at Trent Bridge as the team’s lone spinner. However, it was with his batting skills, coming in at number 11, with the team languishing at 117-9 and trailing by 98 runs, that he announced his arrival to international cricket with a bang.

Agar scored a strokeful 98 off just 101 deliveries, and added an invaluable (and record breaking) 163 runs for the last wicket with Phil Hughes to give Australia an unlikely lead in the first innings. What was admirable in Agar’s innings was the confidence with which he batted, playing proper cricket shots, scoring at a brisk pace, and outscoring Hughes in the partnership. He ended up top-scoring the Aussie innings in what was otherwise a very dismal team batting performance.

Being given the baggy green on his debut by Glenn McGrath, he would have wanted to aim for the records held by the legend. And he has now already managed to break a record held by McGrath, though this one was in batting (Aussie record of top score by a number 11 batsman, previously held by McGrath – 61). Agar later went to better Tino Best’s score of 95, which was previously the highest score by a number 11 batsman in test cricket.

Melbourne-born Agar, who bowls left-arm spin, began his cricketing career at Victoria and represented them in the junior cricket level. He represented the Australian under-19 team as well. A budding law student, he put his studies on hold to focus on a career in cricket.

After struggling to find a place in Victoria’s senior team, Agar switched to Western Australia, where he made his first class debut in January this year. He impressed in his limited outings with both bat and ball, taking wickets and also contributing with crucial runs in the lower order.

Initially selected to tour England as a part of the Australia A team, Agar and Fawad Ahmed were believed to be in consideration for the spot of the second spinner in the Ashes squad behind Nathan Lyon. After showing good form for Australia A, Agar was rewarded with a place in the eleven for the first Ashes test.

Described by former Aussie test cricket Ashley Mallet as a “natural born predator”, Agar idolises Daniel Vettori and hopes to emulate the Kiwi spinner. Having played just 10 first class matches coming into the Ashes, Agar’s rise to the test squad is stunning and mighty impressive. But this wasn’t the first instance of him being fast-tracked. After just two first class matches, he made it to the squad, which toured India last winter and gained valuable experience in the stint, though he didn’t get many playing opportunities.

While his batting today has earned him all the plaudits, he has found his place in the side for his bowling. His skipper at Henley, Bjorn Mordt, has said “He’s got great control; he’s got a slider and a good arm ball. He just doesn’t seem to get fazed.”

His coach at Western Australia, Justin Langer, has praised his playing style, saying “Besides his infectious personality and energy for the game, Ashton’s strength comes in his natural and free style of play. While he has much to learn, his free movements give him the chance to fulfill his undoubted promise.”

After a dream debut with the bat, Agar will be keen to prove his bowling credentials as well. He didn’t have much to do in England’s first innings, but with the game now entering its third day tomorrow, he could have a big role to play if Australia are to win this test.

It has been topsy-turvy test so far, with fortunes of both teams changing very quickly. Agar can look to cap his dream debut with a strong performance with the ball. But even otherwise, his 98 in the first innings will be counted among the most memorable knocks by a debutant in Test cricket history.