Ashton Agar adamant he can be Australia’s next long-term all-rounder

ASHTON Agar hopes to prove the answer to Australia’s eternal search for an all-rounder and believes he is capable of batting in the top seven.

ASHTON Agar hopes to prove the answer to Australia’s eternal search for an all-rounder.

The boy wonder who announced himself to Test cricket with the highest score by a No.11 says his 98 on debut was no fluke and believes he is now capable of batting in Australia’s top seven.

After Nic Maddinson’s axing it would appear West Australian batting all-rounder Hilton Cartwright is likely to make his Test debut at the SCG on Tuesday.

However, Agar’s claims cannot be ruled out.

Leading into an Indian Test tour where Australia may realistically consider playing three spinners, selectors could do worse than give Nathan Lyon, Steve O’Keefe and Agar a chance to combine in the dead-rubber Sydney Test.

A move so bold would require promoting out-of-form keeper Matthew Wade to No.6, although he did score one of his two Test centuries in the same position at the SCG four years ago.

Agar averages 26.41 with the bat in first-class cricket, but two centuries and eight 50s showcase his potential as a genuine all-rounder.

Ashton Agar is given a pink cup cake by fellow Australian player Matt Renshaw to mark the Pink test as he arrives at Sydney Airport on Saturday.

There are few more intelligent cricketers going around than Agar and before his fabled Test debut, he had spent so much time studying Graeme Swann on YouTube, he knew exactly what he was going to get from the world-class English spinner when he went out to face him.

Agar is a natural-born stroke maker.

In Test and Big Bash cricket he has proven to have the DNA of a match-winner and in the right conditions he might be given an opportunity to step up as the versatile talent Australia have been craving.

IAN CHAPPELL: Smith must tweak his captaincy style

BIG HITTER: Lynn sees light after sawing his bat

CRITICISM: Warne is the Sheik of pique

“I think I would be able to if I was given that opportunity, I would back myself to do that,” he said.

“I see myself as an all-rounder. I’ve been selected in this squad as a spinner but I think I’m capable with bat and ball.

“You just have to make good decisions and that’s what I’m learning more and more each time I’m batting in first-class cricket.

“The best players, they consistently make good decisions. All the batters have the skills, but what separates them is who makes the better decisions.”

Agar cleaned up a quality NSW batting line-up with 10 wickets earlier this Sheffield Shield season, a milestone that won’t be forgotten by selectors.

However, with fellow left-armer O’Keefe virtually locked in to play, Agar’s best hope is as a third wheel.

Ashton Agar burst onto the scene during the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge in 2013 where he scored 98.

Three spinners on home soil seems unlikely, however selectors do need to feel comfortable enough they can get the overs they require from Cartwright.

The Zimbabwean-born 24-year-old has a healthy batting record from his 16 first-class games, but his bowling average is a worrying 41.93.

Selectors aren’t for a moment calling Cartwright himself a genuine all-rounder and have chosen him for his top six batting credentials, but he needs to be relied upon for decent overs, especially if a fast bowler like Jackson Bird is to drop out of the attack.

Steve Smith has made it clear that overworking his top-line seamers is a very real threat and the Australian skipper needs options.

Agar admits the pressure brought about by his much-hyped debut took its toll for a while, but he’s never enjoyed his cricket more as he prepares for a likely call-up for the February tour of India.

“I think there was probably one hard season after I played my first couple of Tests and that was a big learning curve for me but the last couple of years have been great,” he said.

“I’ve really started to enjoy my cricket.

“I guess I’m a chance (for India). But I’m not going to look any further than the next couple of training days and then if I get selected for the Test, that Test match.

“That’s what’s worked for me at the moment. I’ve tried to not look far ahead at all and it’s held me in good stead this season.”

Originally published as Ashton Agar adamant he can be Australia’s next long-term all-rounder