Memories of Agar

As the latest Ashes series begins, it is a reminder of an extraordinary story that unfolded at Trent Bridge two years when Ashton Agar, the left-arm spinner, was handed a surprise Test debut and then stuck 98 at No. 11. Jesse Hogan, writing in the Age, caught up with Agar to find out where his career now is after a difficult time since making that inedible mark on the game.

As Lyon buttressed his Test position Agar slipped from recall contention in 2013-14 due to his record of 21 wickets at an average of 56.52. When his first half of 2014-15 started in a similar fashion - before Christmas he had seven wickets at 45.14 - he seemed someone well away from his next crack at international cricket. Nevertheless, when it came time for selectors to plump for a second spinner for the squad for the SCG Test against India they plumped for Agar. He conceded it was "a bit of a shock" but said it also stoked his self-confidence.