Australia call on Ashton Agar to provide Shakib Al Hasan preparation

Agar, the Australia spinner who is in England as part of the Australia A squad, has been added to Australia’s World Cup training party to play the role of Shakib in practice

Australia have wheeled in the reinforcements as Aaron Finch’s side prepares to face Bangladesh on Thursday at Trent Bridge.

With Shakib Al Hasan playing a starring role, the subcontinental team have picked up thrilling wins against South Africa and West Indies, passing 300 with the bat on both occasions.

As well as making centuries against West Indies and England and fifties against New Zealand and South Africa, Shakib has impressed with his wily left-arm spin, leading Australia coach Justin Langer to seek additional preparation ahead of his side’s battle with the 32-year-old.

As a result, Ashton Agar, the Australia spinner who is in England as part of the Australia A squad, has been added to Australia’s World Cup training party to play the role of Shakib in practice.

^{Agar made 98 against England on his Test debut - the highest score by a number 11 in Test history.}

"(Shakib is) probably the world's best allrounder and a left-arm spinner," said Langer.

"It was great of Ash to come down and great to have him here. This time last year he was in the Australian one-day side.

"One of our values is professionalism and (it's beneficial) to draw on someone like Ashton Agar to come in and give us a like for like (spinner)."

Shakib took 10 wickets in the match in 2017 as Bangladesh secured a first ever Test victory against Australia.

Despite meeting up with Australia’s World Cup squad ahead of Thursday’s clash with Mashrafe Mortaza’s side, Agar is expected to play for Australia A in the first match of their tour against Northamptonshire.

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