Despite missing out on selection for the current Australian Ashes squad, Ashton Agar is happy to take the quieter route back in to the international game after shooting in to the limelight at Trent Bridge in 2013.

Nineteen at the time, Agar made his debut in the first test of the series, going on to smash batting records in the scintillating match that was evenly matched between the two teams.

His 98 was the highest score by a number eleven in Test cricket and he added 163 for the last wicket with Phil Hughes, another Test record, as he played a starring role in a Trent Bridge epic.

"It's gone so quickly. I just can't believe it's been two years," said Agar.

"It feels like it [career] is building really nicely. I'm really happy with the way it's going at the moment . . . but I don't want to get caught up in thinking too far ahead.

"I'm learning the only way you can learn is through experience . . . so to have experienced a big high and a bit of a low after that has only been good for myself and my development.

"It's been nice, having a little bit less media attention. It was very exciting when I received a lot of that attention, but there was [also] a lot of attention and scrutiny on my game; that was always going to come after what happened.

"It was really nice to not have much attention . . . and really just work on my game and progressively build up to a cricketer who's in more control of their game."

After only playing one further test in the 2013 series, the man from Victoria lost his way on the return to Sheffield Shield action, taking 21 wickets at 56.52 in the 2013-14 season for Western Australia.

However, after turning his figures around at the end of last season, taking 24 wickets at 26.21, Agar is positive about what the future holds for state and country after being selected for the Australia A tour of India.

"I'm extremely proud of how I performed in the second half of the year. It was really nice to help win games with the ball, which is my job," Agar said. "I just felt in control. Cricket felt really natural again. It was really nice to feel that.

"We're just trying to build a good, honest culture with each other, and a winning culture out on the field. So far it's working beautifully. It's just a great environment to be playing cricket in. I wouldn't have it any other way.

"I think it's a really big step forward [to represent Australia A], especially after my second year, [and] to have a good third year.

"I look at playing for Australia as the ultimate goal, honestly . . . but in the meantime if I just concentrate on playing well for whoever I'm playing for – that's Australia A next – and winning games for the side then selection takes care of itself."

 

Tickets for Day 5 of the otherwise sold out Fourth Investec Ashes Test at Trent Bridge are still available priced at just £20. Don't miss the chance to watch the sport's most historic contest and secure your seats now.