Veteran Australian player Ashton Agar made headlines with his dedication towards his team. With his side struggling at 310-9, Agar came out to bat at No.11 where he was struggling to hold the bat with his bottom hand due to an Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint injury to his left shoulder as well. Despite this, Agar batted bravely and added 15 more runs to the total with centurion Joel Curtis (119*).

However, he took two blows on his hips, played a forward defence to Todd Murphy and even ducked out a bouncer too. Agar was eventually bowled by a full delivery from speedster Sam Elliot (4-47) as he struggled to get his bat down on time as well.

Ashton Agar batted bravely

“Even the way he’s walking out here, Agar — his arm was in a sling yesterday. And you can see that left arm, the way he’s holding it, that’s not ideal,” Adam White said on commentary. “Just the way he’s holding his arm, it’s borderline dangerous that he’s actually out there. This is extraordinary.”

Brave stuff by Ashton Agar who batted one-handed due to a shoulder injury to add 15 runs for the 10th wicket 💪 #SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/WZQ3pqw9qZ

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 18, 2024

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However, Victoria were set a target of 120. Off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli left the chasing team reduced at 19-2 to give WA a slender chance. Marcus Harris (56*) and captain Peter Handscomb (56*) chased down the total in 23.2 overs without further hiccups as well. Curtis remained unbeaten for 119 runs from 239 balls, a stunning knock that included 16 fours and one six.

Corey Rocchiccioli became the second WA bowler to pick up a first-class hat-trick

However, before scoring 36 in the first innings, the star left-hander had just one first-class run to his name after being dismissed for a first-ball duck and one run in his first two appearances as well. Seamer Fergus O’Neill finished with 4-56, with veteran spinner Murphy (1-87) and Xavier Crone (1-70) doing well with the ball.

In Victoria’s innings, spinner Corey Rocchiccioli became the second WA bowler to pick up a first-class hat-trick. Rocchiccioli claimed the last wicket of Victoria’s first innings. However, despite the rare hat-trick, Victoria faced a crushing eight-wicket win.

With the hosts chasing 120 for victory on the final day, former Test batters Marcus Harris and Peter Handscomb added an unbroken 103-run third-wicket stand after the early hiccups. Harris and Handscomb both finished unbeaten on 56 as well.

The world of cricket is never short of drama and surprises. In the latest twist, Australia’s star fast bowler, Mitchell Starc, has opened up about his exclusion from the Super 8 fixture against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup 2024. Starc’s benching to make way for Ashton Agar was a controversial decision that sparked widespread debate among fans and experts alike.

Exclusion from the match against Afghanistan

The decision to bench Starc in the crucial Super 8 match against Afghanistan was surprising. The team management opted to bring in left-arm spinner Ashton Agar, hoping his spin would be more effective given the conditions.

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Ashton Agar’s performance in the match was commendable. He bowled economically, giving away just 17 runs in his four overs and successfully containing the Afghan batters during the middle overs. Despite his efforts, Australia failed to capitalize and ended up losing the match by 21 runs.

Australia’s exit

Australia’s early departure from the T20 World Cup were disappointing for fans and the team alike. Several factors contributed to this outcome, including strategic decisions, player performances, and perhaps a bit of bad luck. Analyzing the statistical performance of the team provides insight into what went wrong.

Mitchell Starc’s perspective

In a candid discussion on the WillowTalk podcast, Starc shared his thoughts on being left out of the playing XI. He explained that the decision was based on the pitch conditions and the effectiveness of spin bowling in previous matches at the venue.

“They saw previous games on that ground with spin playing a part and obviously Ash and the left-armer enticing them to make a change,” Starc said on the WillowTalk podcast.

Criticism of Pre-tournament seedings

Starc also voiced his criticism regarding the pre-tournament seedings. He argued that Australia’s position did not reflect their capabilities and affected their group stage matchups. Analyzing the seeding process and its impact on the tournament’s outcomes sheds light on potential areas for improvement.

Another point of contention was the scheduling of the matches. Australia’s schedule, which included late-night arrivals and early games, was far from ideal. These logistical issues likely impacted the players’ performance and preparation.

“We finished ahead of England and end up where we were pre-seeded as the second side. All of a sudden, you’re in a different group. We had the two night games and the third was a day game, so it wasn’t the best preparation. We had a delayed flight out of St Vincent, a 90-minute drive from the airport to the hotel in St Lucia, our players got in late by night and then a 10 o’clock toss,” he added.

Starc’s tournament performance

Despite the controversies, Starc’s performance in the tournament was a mix of highs and lows. He took five wickets in as many games, but his economy rate and average were not up to his usual standards.

The calf problem that sidelined Ashton Agar during the ODI World Cup has resurfaced, casting doubt over his availability for the upcoming five-match Twenty20 International series between Australia and India, scheduled right after the tournament.

Agar sustained a calf tear during his preseason practice with the Western Australia Team, which consequently ruled him out of the South Africa T20Is in the latter part of August. He made a comeback in the inaugural ODI against South Africa in September but was soon benched due to discomfort. On top of this, he flew back home to welcome his first child.

In light of Agar’s unavailability for the World Cup in India, the selection committee has brought in batsman Marnus Labuschagne as his substitute. As Agar was focused on recovery and was looking forward to both the Marsh Cup and the India T20I series, this new injury has been a significant blow.

“With Agar being a nationally contracted player, we at WA Cricket will be coordinating closely with Cricket Australia to chart out his recovery process,” mentioned a statement from WACA.

It remains to be seen whether Agar will have ample recovery time to make it for the Perth Scorchers’ BBL opener on December 10 against the Melbourne Renegades. His form in the last season was underwhelming, securing just six wickets in 10 games.