Neil Dansie Medallist Wes Agar says Jason Gillespie as Redbacks coach could take his game to new heights next season
South Australian paceman Wes Agar says a familiar face can help him showcase new tricks to top his breakout first-class season with the Redbacks.
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He’s basking in an award-winning rookie season but South Australian speedster Wes Agar is eyeing a future with Test legend Jason Gillespie as coach across all forms.
Agar bloomed under former head coach Jamie Siddons and bowling mentor Luke Butterworth taking 33 wickets to clinch the 2019-20 Neil Dansie award in his debut first class season.
Gillespie, as Adelaide Strikers coach, blooded Agar in 2017 at domestic level and could take the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year to new heights as Redbacks coach.
“It would be really good. I have worked with Dizzy now at the Strikers for the last three years which has been great,” said Agar, who beat veterans Callum Ferguson and Tom Cooper for the Redbacks MVP across the first-class and one-day forms.
“He is a great people manager and person, understands people’s games and what they need to do to be at their best. If he was to come in he would be a great asset to our side and learning.”
SACA has suspended its search for a head coach to succeed Siddons until May due to the financial impact of the Wuhan virus pandemic. Former Test seamer Gillespie remains contracted to English side Sussex but is back in South Australia given the County season is suspended.
“He would help me a lot bowling and already spoken to him a lot through the Big Bash and to speak to him about red ball cricket would be great,” said Agar of Gillespie.
Having returned from two seasons with Victoria Agar, 23, never predicted a summer as Sheffield Shield’s second highest wicket-taker, consecutive one-day, five-wicket hauls and 17 BBL wickets at 21.
“I just wanted to play one game let alone get the accolades I have this year,” conceded Agar.
Only one-Test veteran Chadd Sayers (332) sent down more Shield overs than Agar’s 291 this season but the novice also bowled an additional 84 across the Twenty20 and one-day formats.
Agar’s 194cm height and bounce gave the Redbacks attack a point of difference while his capacity to bowl third and fourth spells touching 140km/h was a testament to an improved motor.
“My body has held together nicely and I think it is just having game experience, getting overs under your belt. Long, hard days of cricket toughens you, calluses your body and mind,” he said.
Social distancing forced the traditional state awards ceremony to be axed this season. Agar accepted the Lord Hampden trophy for best Shield player, Dansie medal and most improved gong in his loungeroom with partner Emma De Broughe.
The significance of the Lord Hampden award won by luminaries including Barry Richards, Ian Chappell, Greg Chappell, Sir Garfield Sobers, Ryan Harris, Greg Blewett and Darren Lehmann is appreciated by Agar.
“I feel proud and privileged to win an award that has been won by such great players before me,” he said.
Scrutiny follows success. Agar must progress next season with rivals now trawling a game plan built around control for any weakness.
“That is the challenge. They talk about second year blues and that is because players work out what you do well,” cautioned Agar.
“I have to keep developing new strengths, changing my position, swinging the ball more, working on my fitness, being stronger, faster.”
There is reality in Agar’s ambition to join brother Ashton in international ranks that appeared remote before this season.
“I would be silly to say I didn’t want to play at the top level. Cricket is my job and I think as a child you dream of putting on a baggy green. Seeing Ash do it personalises that experience,” said Agar.
“Having said that if higher honours do come they are a fair way down the track.”