Video: Agar discusses record breaking Ashes innings

The only indication that Ashton Agar was a tailender, as he walked off Trent Bridge on Thursday having been dismissed for a world-record 98 for a No. 11 batsman, was the fact he was able to smile about falling two runs short of a century.

Ashton Agar
“Darren Lehmann‘s told me to bat the way I know how to bat and he’s told the whole team to bat in their own natural styles, that’s the way I like to bat so that’s what I try to do, take the game on.”

“Like you said, I’ve done it before in Queensland. Had to bat at number 11 and was fortunate enough to get fifty. I was lucky to have a really good partner at the other end. Phil Hughes is a seriously good player, and he really helped me through it.”

“Yes, it was a little bit out of the ordinary I guess. Obviously it’s a dream to make a test match hundred. I didn’t really dream I was going to make 98 on debut, so I’m very, very happy.”

SOUNDBITE: (English) Ashton Agar
“Not a lot (of pressure to bat) because I’ve been put into the side to take wickets. I’m still very, very hungry for that first wicket and I consider myself a bowling all-rounder. I like to think I’m a bowling all-rounder. But to get that wicket will be an extra special moment.”

“Yes, probably hit it a bit too well. All the other ones I had sort of been hitting up and over the top, when I sort of tried to come down a little bit on that one. Picked him out perfectly! Yes, probably could have made a better decision there.”

Q: Did you feel like you were back in your crease (on stumping)?
“Yes, I would say yes, I felt I was just back in my crease. Obviously that’s out of my control so I couldn’t do anything about it.”

“Yes, it could be. It’s a dream come true really, that’s what it is to me. For ever I’ve dreamt of playing test cricket for Australia. For my debut to start the way it has, I’m over the moon, I’m very happy.”