Cricket: Ashton Agar predicts spin to be key weapon in series against West Indies

Australia’s strong spin fraternity is poised to deliver in the T20 series against the West Indies.

Australian spinner Ashton Agar (second from left) celebrates taking a wicket. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Spin-friendly Caribbean wickets have Australia’s tight bunch of tweakers primed to play a key role in the five-game T20 series against the West Indies starting on Saturday.

Australia’s touring party includes four spinners – Adam Zampa, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Swepson and travelling reserve Tanveer Sangha.

Agar bowled particularly well in taking 1-25 off four overs in this week’s intra-squad match in St Lucia and said similar wickets during the series would please Australia’s contingent of spinners.

“I can certainly see it playing quite a significant role,” left-armer Agar said.

“Yesterday the ball kept a little bit low (and) there was a bit of purchase. The wicket certainly slowed up towards the back end, so it was also a challenge for finding out the right speed to bowl.

“As in most T20 games, spin is playing a huge part and we’ve got a few really good spinners over here.

“We’re fighting for spots, but we’re trying to help each other get better and better every time we train and play together. It’s really nice to be part of a spin group who just genuinely care about each other.”

Ashton Agar is preparing to take on the West Indies. Picture: Joe Allison/Getty Images

Agar also predicted Australia’s spin bowlers would be used during the “power play” overs despite the fielding restrictions that permit just two players to be situated outside the circle.

“Spin seems to play a big role in the power play in the West Indies,” he said.

“(But) you have to be realistic – some days it’s going to work really well, other days they (the batsmen) are going to get on top of you because you’ve got two fielders out and not a lot of pace on the ball as a spinner.

“For me I quite like doing it because it means my game is growing. As a cricketer, I’m just trying to be as adaptable and usable as possible.

“I’m just trying to get as good as I can at everything I can.”

With Australia scheduled to tour spin-friendly nations Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka next year, Agar potentially has the chance to kickstart a red-ball international career that stalled in 2017 after four Tests.

“Nathan Lyon’s the number one (Australian Test spinner). What I’ve always tried to do is be the next best,” he said.

“‘Sweppo’ is bowling like a genius as well, but when you have these subcontinent tours, they take a few spinners and you just want to be a part of that group and take your opportunity when that comes and develop a diverse range of skills.”

Apart from enjoying the company of his fellow spinners in the Caribbean, Agar is delighted to have his younger brother, 24-year-old fast bowler Wes Agar, also with him in the Australian squad.

“It’s nice to just spend time with him, let alone be on an Australian cricket tour with him,” 27-year-old Ashton said.

“We’re close. We speak about that all the time (and) we love each other a lot.

“The family’s really proud. It was good to play on the same team in Australian colours yesterday together. It’s a really nice feeling.”