Ashton Agar shares injury update ahead of ODI World Cup

Ashton Agar of Australia. (Photo by MICHAEL BRADLEY/AFP/Getty Images)

Ashton Agar recently suffered a minor calf tear, which ruled him out of the upcoming T20I series against South Africa. However, the 29-year-old, who played his last professional match five months ago, is confident of making his comeback in the ODI series as he aims to get ready for the ODI World Cup, which is slated to begin on October 5 in Ahmedabad.

Speaking about his latest injury, Agar mentioned that it is unfortunate as he was in good touch in the pre-season camp and his body was feeling good. He added that the rehab is going well and thus, the spinner expects to be playing with 100% intensity in the ODI series against the Proteas.

“It was really unfortunate. I was going really well in the pre-season and my body was in a really good place. Feeling very fit. And unfortunately got a little tear in that calf. But it’s been a really good rehab. We’ve got great physios on staff (in Western Australia) and have been working really closely every day with them. I’ve done a couple of full-intensity sessions at the WACA now. So I think I’ll be up to playing at 100% intensity in an ODI,” Agar was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

India is a place where I really like to bowl: Ashton Agar

In India, where the pitches generally assist the spinners, Australia may play two spinners in some games. Thus, Agar is really hopeful to be in the playing XI and make a valuable contribution as he added that India is a place, where he absolutely loves to play cricket. The Melbourne-born cricketer added that he has had terrific experiences of playing in India and is eager to make his return during the marquee tournament.

“World Cups bring out the best in one-day cricket, particularly in India. You never know what pitch you’re going to get. But the chances are as a spinner that you’ll be playing, and there’s a chance that you play two spinners in a lot of the games, particularly if the pitches get tired.

“It’s a place I love going. I’ve had really great experiences. Obviously, the Test tour was a difficult experience there. But then I got to go back and play that one-dayer and do really well. It’s a place I really like to bowl,” Agar mentioned.