Wesley Austin Agar, born on February 5, 1997, is making a name for himself in Australian cricket. This fast bowler has already showcased his talent in various forms of the game and is gaining recognition on the international stage. Wesley, known as Wes, is the younger brother of fellow Australian international cricketer, Ashton Agar.
Early Life and Cricketing Heritage
Wes Agar was born into a family with a deep cricketing heritage. His father, John, was a fast bowler in his own right. Wes is the youngest of three brothers, and the Agar family’s cricketing legacy is indeed impressive. His oldest brother, Ashton, has represented Australia in Test cricket as a spin bowler, while his other brother, Will, is a left-handed batsman who plays grade cricket.
In a notable departure from his brothers, Wes chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and became a fast bowler. This decision set the stage for his journey in the world of cricket.
Early Cricketing Endeavors
Agar commenced his cricketing journey playing for the Monash Tigers, also known as the Richmond Cricket Club, in Victorian Premier Cricket. Impressively, he made his debut for the club’s first XI at the tender age of sixteen, underscoring his early promise in the sport.
During the 2014–15 season, a setback occurred in the form of double stress fractures in his back. Despite these challenges, Wes Agar remained resilient and even managed to win a premiership with the Tigers’ second XI. This period in his career, however, marked a time when he lacked the pace in his bowling and the physical build to reach higher levels of success.
The Move to South Australia
Seeking more opportunities and growth in his cricketing career, Agar decided to make a significant move to South Australia in 2015. In this new environment, he joined the grade cricket team of Adelaide University for the 2015–16 season.
Wes’s journey in South Australia was not without its challenges. With just $500 to his name, he had to work part-time on a dairy farm to support himself and pursue his cricketing dreams. Despite these hurdles, his talent and potential shone through, and he quickly gained recognition. Most notably, he significantly increased his bowling speed, reaching an impressive 130 km/h. This feat made him the second-fastest uncontracted bowler in South Australia at the time.
Agar’s standout performances earned him a place in South Australia’s under-19 national championships squad. During the tournament, he showcased his skills, taking ten wickets at an average of 22.60, including an impressive 5/37 against Tasmania. His form and prowess led to his selection in Australia’s squad for the 2016 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. While Australia later withdrew from the tournament, Wes Agar had already made his mark with three matches during the squad’s stint in the United Arab Emirates.
The remarkable journey continued as Agar’s form in the 2015–16 season captured the attention of both national and state selectors. He was chosen to be part of the 17-man National Performance Squad, where he trained for two months at Australia’s Centre of Excellence. Additionally, he secured a rookie contract with South Australia’s state team, marking an important milestone in his career. His debut for South Australia came in the 2016–17 Matador BBQs One-Day Cup on October 2, 2016. During this tournament, he showcased his prowess with the ball, securing eight wickets in five matches.
Wes Agar’s consistent performances earned him a contract with the Big Bash League franchise, the Adelaide Strikers. He made his Twenty20 debut for the Strikers during the 2016–17 Big Bash League season on January 10, 2017.
Return to Victoria and Back to South Australia
Despite the promising start to his career with South Australia, Agar made a significant decision at the end of the 2016–17 season. He opted not to renew his contract with South Australia, choosing instead to return to Victoria, where he aimed to secure a contract with the Bushrangers.
However, Wes remained loyal to the Adelaide Strikers for BBL|07, even though he wasn’t a regular member of the team. He played a single match during the tournament, which coincidentally pitted him against his brother Ashton, who was playing for the Perth Scorchers. This match marked the first time the Agar brothers faced each other on a cricket field. During this encounter, Wes bowled two balls to Ashton, who managed to score two runs, adding a unique chapter to their cricketing journey.
Wes Agar’s journey took another significant turn when he returned to South Australia in mid-2019. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career. He made his first-class debut for South Australia on October 18, 2019, during the 2019–20 Sheffield Shield season.
In late 2019, Agar delivered standout performances in consecutive List A matches for South Australia. Notably, he secured 5 for 69 against Queensland and 5 for 40 against Western Australia. His impressive bowling figures highlighted his growing prowess with the ball.
Throughout the Sheffield Shield competition, Wes Agar made a substantial impact, emerging as the tied highest wicket-taker in the tournament. His exceptional performance extended to the Big Bash League, where he played for the Adelaide Strikers and took 17 wickets in 12 matches.
Recognitions and International Debut
Wes Agar’s consistent and impressive performances did not go unnoticed. His stellar season across all formats earned him the prestigious 2020 Bradman Young Cricketer Of The Year award, recognizing his exceptional talent and contributions to the sport.
In June 2021, Wes Agar received a significant call-up when he was named in Australia’s limited-overs squad for their tours of the West Indies and Bangladesh. This marked a significant milestone in his career, opening the door to international cricket.
Agar made his One Day International (ODI) debut for Australia on July 20, 2021, against the West Indies. During this match, he scored 41 runs off 36 balls, making an immediate impact on the international stage.
Player Profile and Aspirations
Wes Agar is a right-handed batsman and a right-arm fast bowler. His focus has been on bowling at pace, with recorded speeds of up to 130 km/h when he was still a teenager. By 2017, he set his sights on consistently bowling at 140 km/h, a feat that sets him apart from many other bowlers.
While renowned for his fast bowling, Agar is also a valuable batsman, possessing the ability to contribute significantly with the bat. Notably, his older brother, Ashton, adapted Wes’s batting approach to enhance his own skills.
With a career marked by resilience, determination, and remarkable growth, Wesley Austin Agar is undoubtedly a rising star in Australian cricket. His journey serves as an inspiring example of pursuing one’s dreams and making a name for oneself in the cricketing world. As he continues to develop and gain experience, Wes Agar’s future in cricket holds great promise, and fans eagerly anticipate his continued success on the domestic and international stages.
