Agar thrilled to have Lyon in white ball squad

Australia left-arm spinner Ashton Agar says that it is a massive boost to him to train alongside Nathan Lyon even if he is competing with him for a place in the XI.

Agar’s much improved batting will likely see him earn a place in the ODI team ahead of Lyon but in an inexperienced group the selectors felt that Lyon would add a lot to the squad.

Speaking ahead of the first ODI against England Agar said: “It’s only a positive having (Lyon) at training.

“I still look up to the way he bowls though I may be ahead of him for this game, but you never know how it may pan out.

“I learn a lot from him. He’s got the best stock ball in the world, I think.

“And it’s impressive to watch in the nets.

“306 Test wickets is something that’s pretty special, so I respect that a lot, and I’m learning from him every day.”

Agar credits the rise of the big bash with helping his batting in white ball cricket and propelling him into the frame for the 2019 World Cup squad.

“I think just the rise of Big Bash cricket has really helped my batting in white-ball cricket,” he said.

“I come in at the end a lot in Big Bash games and try and finish the job.

“I work very hard on my batting and I’m trying to build on that.”

The left-armer is pleased to get an opportunity to bowl in England again having not put his best foot forward with the ball on his last visit. Though he hit 98 on Test debut against England in 2013, he took just 2 wickets in two Tests going wicketless in three out of the four innings he bowled in.

“I’m really excited to be back bowling here (in England). I feel like it is a while ago now, and probably not the greatest bowling memories back then to be fair,” Agar said.

“But to play at Lord’s and bowl well at Lord’s felt really nice, because I didn’t bowl well there last time.

“To come in to this game full of confidence is a good feeling. “