Agar an amazing price to bat at nine or higher in second Ashes innings
Published:
Ashton Agar set numerous records in the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge with the bat and there is every possibility that Australia will want him at the wicket sooner than number 11 in their second innings if they are to confirm victory.
Agar’s innings of 98 was the highest ever scored by a Test number 11 and his partnership of 163 with Phil Hughes was also the greatest final-wicket stand.
This knock should not have come as the biggest surprise as he came into the Ashes with an average of 39 from his First Class appearances.
The big question now is where the 19-year-old will bat in the second innings at Trent Bridge, with 2/1 the price that he remains in his initial spot at number 11.
With number 10 James Pattinson averaging over 20 and nine Mitchell Starc having a Test 99 to his name, this pair are clearly no mugs with the bat, but it would be a surprise if Agar did not move above these two.
He certainly seems an all-rounder in the making, rather than a bowler with little skill with the bat and it may take England a while to work out the best way of dismissing him, as they are unlikely to have watched too many tapes beforehand given he was a surprise starter in this Test.
It is 11/8 that Agar comes in at nine or higher in the Aussie second innings and this seems as good as guaranteed.
He has shown an ability to handle the pitch in Nottingham, while the fact that he must now be regarded as the most likely night watchman in the Australian ranks is another boost to this betting opportunity.
Meanwhile, if Agar doesn’t bat in the second innings, should Australia have already secured victory without any further batting assistance from the teenager, the bet will be void.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
