Agar primed after self-imposed break

Ashton Agar says his recent break from first-class cricket was "a one-off thing" after a hectic six months on the road, and is refreshed and charged for the KFC BBL.

Agar requested to be omitted from Western Australia's JLT Sheffield Shield match against Victoria earlier this month, spending a week in Melbourne with his family instead where his parents and brothers Wes (a Victoria squad member) and Will still live.

He admitted to being unhappy and "really struggling" before the break, but now wants to extend his all-round contributions to the Perth Scorchers and is targeting a move up the order. 

"I was just really struggling. I wasn't very happy and cricket just seemed to make it worse and worse," Agar told Seven West Media. 

"I took that week just to regenerate and get my mind right and now I feel a lot better. 

"There's been a lot going on. A lot of travelling, a lot of cricket so after all of that, you are only human, I guess. 

"I think it was more of a build-up of a really, really busy, solid few months so I think it's more of a one-off thing really.

"People aren't always going to understand and, to be honest, I don't really care if they do or don't because you have to look after yourself."

Agar had a hectic winter where he played 24 matches in three months, with Australia's one-day side that was whitewashed by England in June, a T20 tri-series in Zimbabwe, stint with Middlesex in England's domestic T20 competition and the best part of a month in India playing 50-over and first-class matches with Australia A. 

He earned selection in the Australia squad that travelled to the UAE to face Pakistan, playing two T20 matches, sandwiched between solitary appearances in the JLT One-Day Cup and Sheffield Shield. 

"It's been a long year of cricket for Ashton," said WA coach Adam Voges at the time of Agar's break.

"He was playing in the UK, then he was traveling internationally and domestically for the last few months with the Australia squad.

"It's been a long time on the road and he just needs this week to freshen up and have some quality time at home."

Freshen up he has, and Agar is now targeting a move up the order to open for the Scorchers when they face the Melbourne Renegades in their first game of BBL|08 on Thursday.

The allrounder has long held ambitions to move higher up in T20 cricket, and after smashing an unbeaten 52 from 39 balls as opener for WA Premier Cricket club side Rockingham-Mandurah on the weekend, has put his hand up to partner Michael Klinger against the 'Gades at the recently re-named Marvel Stadium.

"It's something I'd really like to do," Agar said.

"I'd love to have a crack at it and be given that opportunity but I guess that's up to Vogesy (coach Adam Voges) and Mitch (Marsh) as captain.”

Agar hit 149 runs in seven innings last season, striking at 128.44 and averaged 49.67 with four not outs.

While who opens remains one of the questions to be answered, the Scorchers at least have the certainty that Mitch Marsh will be available for the match.

Australia coach Justin Langer confirmed Australia Test squad members Mitch Marsh, Peter Siddle and Chris Tremain were all free to play the opening game of BBL, but those in the playing XI would not be available.

That means the Renegades will be without Aaron Finch and Marcus Harris, with Tom Cooper set to take the reins after he was named the club's official vice-captain today, while Perth will be without Shaun Marsh.