In-form paceman Wes Agar says Adelaide Strikers face test of finals credentials against title favourite Melbourne Stars on Wednesday
Budding Adelaide Strikers quick Wes Agar says his team will have to play their best against Melbourne Stars on Wednesday, in what shapes as a potential BBL grand final preview.
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Boom speedster Wes Agar says Adelaide will discover its BBL title bonafides hosting minor premier Melbourne Stars in Wednesday night’s heavyweight clash.
The Stars have booked a qualifier berth against the second-ranked side on January 31 at the MCG.
The winner advances direct to a February 8 grand final.
Adelaide rose to second spot after its 10-run win against Hobart in Launceston on Sunday but Sydney Sixers, Brisbane and Perth are eyeing a top-two finish.
“This game is massive in terms of balance and seeing where we sit against the best,” said Agar, who recorded the fourth-best figures by a Strikers bowler with 4/33 against Hobart.
“They have been the best this year and if we can give them a good run for their money it will be good leading into the finals series.”
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Agar has 23 wickets at 21.94 in a debut first-class campaign for the Redbacks and recorded two five-wicket one-day hauls.
Forcing his way into an attack where coach Jason Gillespie can call on Peter Siddle, premier leg-spinner Rashid Khan, Michael Neser and towering Billy Stanlake has continued an impressive summer for 22-year-old Agar.
“I think my confidence across the board has developed this season playing with the Redbacks and taking my confidence into the BBL has held me in good stead,” he said.
“I have guys like Siddle and Neser around me now who I can lean on and learn off.
“It is obviously good to have individual performances, but better to get that win leading into the last three games.”
Seamer Agar’s skyrocketing self-belief is reflected in a pace increase above 140km/h.
“I have just been really working really hard in the nets, my confidence is high and that is helping my pace get up,” said Agar, with Adelaide targeting wins against the Stars, Perth and Hobart to guarantee second place.
“Hopefully I can keep getting quicker.”
Adelaide beat the Stars last month on the Gold Coast and will be strengthened by vice-captain Alex Carey’s return from Australia’s one-day tour of India.
The Stars welcome back Peter Handscomb and Adam Zampa.
“It is going to be really good, we get Kezza back which is great asset to our batting line-up,” said Agar.
Former Test paceman Siddle bowled the clutch final over that curtailed South African David Miller (90 off 48) and sealed victory in Launceston.
Skipper Travis Head’s 79 off 40 balls was decisive as the Strikers set Hobart 177 to stay in the finals race.
“It was incredible to watch, he (Head) is a world-class player and showing that in the Big Bash,” said Agar.
“Siddsy is world class as well and nailed his yorkers.”