Ashton Agar says team first mentality spurring on Aussies ahead of crucial double-header

With a crucial double-header looming, Ashton Agar isn’t worried about being dropped, as a star looks set for a recall to the squad against Bangladesh.

Ashton Agar has a team-first mentality at the front of his mind, as Mitchell Marsh looks likely to take his place in the squad for the match against Bangladesh. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Despite Australian assistant coach Andrew McDonald admitting Mitchell Marsh is a strong chance of earning a recall against Bangladesh, the likely fall guy, Ashton Agar, isn’t worried about being dropped, insisting it’s all about doing “everything you can to help your mates”.

Marsh played in Australia’s first two games at the T20 World Cup against South Africa and Sri Lanka, but was not selected for the match against England as Agar took his place in the line-up.

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Agar’s inclusion came down to a choice of tactics between using five specialist bowlers, or four and an all-rounder.

The four bowler strategy was adopted for Australia’s opening two games, but against England, Aussie coach Justin Langer opted for a fifth bowler and it ultimately proved costly, as Australia was decimated.

McDonald believed a return to the initial strategy would mean “it’s probably likely” Marsh would get the tap on the shoulder to come back into the side.

Even though Agar is aware he may be the unfortunate man to miss the next match, he understands the different qualities players need to bring to the table against different opponents.

“Naturally, it’s really tough any time you don’t get selected when you’ve been playing well,” Agar said.

Ashton Agar was picked for Australia’s game against England, but looks set to be the fall guy for Mitchell Marsh to come back into the starting 11. Picture: Alex Davidson / Getty Images

“But when it’s based around match-ups or conditions, you understand that it’s being part of a really strong squad and doing what’s necessary for that game, at that point in time, in those conditions and for that matchup.

“That’s how we’ll go about our business.”

Agar could count himself unlucky if he doesn’t take to the pitch against Bangladesh.

He scored a solid knock of 20 against England with the bat, finished with a wicket and posted the team’s lowest economy rate of 5.63 from the 2.4 overs he bowled.

Even though the team is yet to be selected, Agar notes it doesn’t matter if he’s picked or not, he’ll be there for his teammates no matter what.

“It’s not necessarily being dropped, it’s more about not being selected for that specific game,” Agar said.

“It happened to me, it happened to Mitch.

“I’m sure we would have felt that emotion straight away as soon as you get the news.

“But I feel we’ve moved on from that really well, and you do everything you can to help your mates out because it certainly takes a squad to win these tournaments.”

Australia will look to keep its T20 World Cup hopes alive when it takes on Bangladesh on Thursday at 9pm AEDT.