Australia quicks see Agar as key for WT20

Pacemen Pat Cummins and Peter Siddle believe we haven't seen the last of Ashton Agar in the World T20 despite the spinner's modest returns in Australia's opening match of the tournament.

Agar's only over in Australia's eight-run loss to the Black Caps in Dharamshala went for eighteen runs courtesy of three sixes from opening batsman Martin Guptill.

The 22-year-old was dropped for John Hastings in Monday's three-wicket win over Bangladesh to keep their campaign alive, but Cummins says the left-armer could vital in the latter stages of the competition.

"I guess the hardest thing for Ash (Agar) is he hasn’t really played that much cricket in India, and not that many T20s, and then suddenly you’re in a World Cup, big stage, turning wickets, you’re thrown the ball to be a match-winner, it’s a tough gig," Cummins said on Optus Sports' The Unplayable Podcast.

"I’d definitely like to see him get another run, because I think he’ll be key for us at the back end if we’re going to challenge in the finals."

Agar's time could come as early as Friday when Australia line up against Pakistan in another must-win match in Chandirgarh.

Pakistan suffered at the hands of India's spinners in their six-wicket loss on Saturday, bogged down by the hosts' trio of tweakers to limp to 5-118 from 18 overs.

But Siddle, who played alongside Agar in his remarkable Test debut in the 2013 Ashes, says if the lanky spinner can mimic India's tweakers he can have success for Australia – if selected – in their final two Group 2 matches.

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"You’ve got to look at how the Indians and Sri Lankans go about it with their spin in those conditions," Siddle said.

"They bowl fast into the wicket and get a bit of rip out of it.

"I reckon that’s what Ashton should be getting told … (bowl with a) bit of pace.

"(His over v NZ) was disappointing because he is a confidence player so that wouldn’t have helped but I think he can still play a part."