Wes Agar

Wes Agar is an Australian professional cricketer who plays as a right-arm fast-medium bowler. A product of the national pathway system, he represents South Australia in domestic first-class and one-day cricket and the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League. Known for his height and pace, Agar has also had stints in English county cricket with Kent and was a squad member for the Indian Premier League franchise Punjab Kings.

Early life and background

Born in Adelaide, Agar is the younger brother of Australian international spinner Ashton Agar. He developed his cricket at Brighton Secondary School and within the South Australian Cricket Association junior pathways. His early promise was recognized with selection for the Australian under-19 side, where he played alongside future stars like Will Sutherland and Jason Sangha. Agar's progression through age-group cricket in Adelaide and for Cricket Australia's National Performance Squad highlighted his potential as a fast-bowling prospect.

Domestic career

Agar made his first-class debut for the South Australian Redbacks in the 2017-18 Sheffield Shield season. He announced himself in the 2019-20 Marsh One-Day Cup, finishing as the tournament's leading wicket-taker, a performance that earned him a contract with the Adelaide Strikers. In the Big Bash League, he has been a consistent performer, forming a potent pace attack with players like Peter Siddle and Rashid Khan. His 2022 season in English county cricket with Kent in the County Championship and the T20 Blast provided valuable experience in different conditions. Agar was also signed as a replacement player for the Punjab Kings in the 2023 Indian Premier League.

International career

While yet to make his senior debut for the Australian cricket team, Agar has been a regular in national squad calculations and development groups. He was a traveling reserve for the Australian team during their 2021 tour of the West Indies and Bangladesh. Agar has also been selected for the Australia A side, competing against touring nations like the England Lions and New Zealand A, which serves as the primary feeder team to the national setup under the direction of Cricket Australia selectors.

Playing style

Standing at 1.93 meters, Agar is a right-arm fast-medium bowler who generates bounce and seam movement from a high release point. He is particularly effective in the powerplay and death overs in white-ball cricket, often bowling hard lengths and employing variations like the slower-ball bouncer. Coaches such as Jason Gillespie have praised his work ethic and ability to swing the new ball. His batting, while secondary, is considered capable in the lower order, and he has shown development in his fielding, particularly in the outfield.

Personal life

Agar comes from a prominent cricketing family; his brother, Ashton Agar, is a established all-rounder for the Australian cricket team and the Western Warriors. Outside of cricket, he has participated in community initiatives for the South Australian Cricket Association and the Adelaide Strikers community programs. Agar maintains a strong connection to his hometown of Adelaide and is an alumnus of Brighton Secondary School.

Category:1997 births Category:Living people Category:Australian cricketers Category:South Australia cricketers Category:Adelaide Strikers players