Teenager Ashton Agar became the talk of the nation on Thursday when the Test debutant defied history to propel Australia back into contention on Day 2 of the first Ashes Test.
The 19-year-old spinner delivered an astounding innings, scoring an unheard of 98 as the No.11 batsman and somehow launching Australia into the lead after a disastrous day at the crease.
Agar fell short of scoring a century, but his total of 98 from just 101 deliveries made him the highest scoring No.11 batsman in Test history, surpassing West Indian Tino Best’s record of 95 at Edgbaston last year.
“It’s been a great day, it’s probably the best day so far in my life,” said Agar after stumps on the second day at Trent Bridge.
Coming to the crease with Australia sitting a miserable 117 for the loss of nine wickets, Agar went onto to share a last-wicket partnership of 163 with Phil Hughes. He surprised just about everyone with some amazing shot play under immense pressure and collected two sixes and 12 fours during his stint with the bat.
“It’s a dream to make a test match hundred but I didn’t expect to make 98 on debut so I’m very happy,” said a visably pleased Agar at the end-of-day news conference.
“I was lucky to have a good partner in Phil Hughes and he really helped me through it.
“I was surprised by the support I was getting from the whole crowd,” added Agar, still wearing the pristine Baggy Green cap presented to him by former Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath on Wednesday.
Agar’s performance prompted a nation, usually asleep due to the time difference, to stand up and take notice of the very special performance. Almost breaking Twitter in the process, seemingly everyone, including Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, took to various social media platforms to chime in with their two cents on Ashton Agar’s debut.
England resumes at 80-2 on Day 3.
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