Big Bash exploits boost all-round Agar

Ashton Agar credits the rise of the Big Bash League with improving his white-ball game as he prepares to step up as Australia's front-line spinner in this month's five-match ODI series against England.

Agar has played just four ODIs since making his debut back in 2015, and a total of 14 runs and four wickets are returns below his potential.

But it is T20 cricket that has sparked Agar's white-ball game; he conceded less than six an over in BBL|07 while grabbing eight wickets in nine matches. It was the first BBL season in which he had conceded less than seven runs per over.

Agar's return to Australia's white-ball set-up began last September when he played two matches in India, before an outstanding BBL summer saw him included in the national T20 team for the tri-series with England and New Zealand.

He took 3-27 in the final as Australia stormed through the tournament undefeated, stifling the Black Caps and claiming the key scalp of Kane Williamson who was duped as Agar gave the ball flight.

A national contract followed and now Agar, who is still only 24, suddenly finds himself endorsed as Australia's No.1 ODI spinner.

"I feel like I'm bowling quite nicely, especially with the white ball at the moment," Agar said as the Australians arrived for their first training session at The Oval on Monday ahead of Wednesday's series opener.

"Just a better understanding of the game of cricket and a better sense of self-belief, and when I'm out there, just backing my skills in and trying to entertain."

Agar has so far kept Nathan Lyon sidelined for both of Australia's warm-up matches and coach Justin Langer said Australia's most prolific off-spinning Test wicket-taker would only get a look into the XI if they encountered a spinning pitch.

The presence of the 30-year-old veteran of 78 Tests might cause some to look over their shoulder anxiously, but Agar is seizing the opportunity to further his game.

"It's only a positive having (Lyon) at training," he said. "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.

"(To have taken) 306 Test wickets is something that's pretty special, so I respect that a lot, and I'm learning from him every day."

Agar hit 21 in Australia's opening warm-up match against Sussex batting at No.7 before he was run out by some Jofra Archer brilliance off his own bowling. He batted above Tim Paine at No.6 to hit an unbeaten 20 from 15 balls at Lord's in the second match.

The free-swinging left-hander missed last summer's JLT One-Day Cup through injury but in the Big bash averaged near 50 with the bat (helped by four not outs in seven innings), smashing 149 runs at a strike rate nearing 130.

"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."

His ability with the bat was on display in that memorable 98 on Test debut in 2013, but that occasion aside, England has not been the happiest of hunting grounds, something he is keen to rectify.

"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. "

Australia's first ODI against England is on Wednesday, and will be broadcast live on GEM from 9.30pm AET.

Qantas tours of England and Zimbabwe

ODI squad: Tim Paine (c), Aaron Finch (vc), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye

England ODI squad: Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes (injured), David Willey, Chris Woakes (injured), Mark Wood

T20 squad: Aaron Finch (c), Alex Carey (vc), Ashton Agar, Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Andrew Tye, Jack Wildermuth

Qantas Tour of England

June 7: Australia beat Sussex by 57 runs at Hove

June 9: Australia beat Middlesex by 101 runs at Lord's

June 13: First ODI, The Oval (D/N)

June 16: Second ODI, Cardiff

June 19: Third ODI, Trent Bridge (D/N)

June 21: Fourth ODI, Durham (D/N)

June 24: Fifth ODI, Old Trafford

June 27: Only T20, Edgbaston (D/N)

Qantas T20I tri-series Tour of Zimbabwe

July 1: Zimbabwe vs Pakistan

July 2: Pakistan vs Australia

July 3: Australia vs Zimbabwe

July 4: Zimbabwe vs Pakistan

July 5: Pakistan vs Australia

July 6: Australia vs Zimbabwe

July 8: Final