Perth Scorchers veteran Ashton Agar will celebrate a significant personal milestone this Sunday, declaring he "would not change a thing" about the unique path that has led him to 100 Big Bash League games for the franchise.
A Winding Path to a Century
The 32-year-old all-rounder is set to join teammates Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, and Jason Behrendorff in reaching the century mark when the Scorchers host the Adelaide Strikers at Optus Stadium. This match marks Agar's 13th season with the club, a journey that began in remarkable fashion. He famously burst onto the international scene with a stunning 98 batting at number 11 on his Test debut during the 2013 Ashes, before he had even played a game for the Scorchers.
Since then, Agar has become a cornerstone of the BBL's most successful team. His value lies in a dual-threat capability: restrictive left-arm orthodox spin and explosive lower-order hitting. Now embracing the life of a short-form freelancer while still representing Western Australia when possible, Agar looks back on his career with a deep sense of pride.
Pride in the Journey, Fire for the Future
"You just have to endure the tough times and hope that you’ve got some good people around you to get you through that and really bloody enjoy the good times, because sometimes they can be few and far between," Agar reflected. He emphasised how his perspective has shifted with age and fatherhood. "The older you get, the more it means to you... I have a young son now as well, so every single game means that little bit more to me."
With the recent departures of seasoned bowlers Behrendorff and Tye, Agar's leadership within a younger bowling attack has become increasingly vital. He relishes this role, drawing on his own experiences of highs and lows to guide the next generation. "I know what it is to succeed, but I guess more importantly, I know what it is to fail. For the young guys, that’s probably the hardest thing to deal with," he said, praising the group's humility and receptiveness.
National Ambitions and Personal Perspective
Once a regular in Australia's T20 side, Agar's last appearance came at the 2024 T20 World Cup. He was not included in the initial 15-player squad for the upcoming tournament in Sri Lanka and India this February and March. However, he maintains a balanced outlook on national selection.
"It doesn’t ruin my day if that (selection) doesn’t come my way," Agar stated. "All I can do is play as well as I can. You hope that you get that call, but if you don’t, you’ve just got to keep working... I still really want to do that one day, and you’ve got to have some fire burning in your heart."
The Scorchers will mark Agar's milestone game by wearing their Aboriginal playing shirt, a gesture he said "meant a hell of a lot." "We get to go out there and live out our dreams, but to do that on ancient Aboriginal land is an absolute privilege," he added.
As he prepares for his 100th appearance in the orange, Agar remains profoundly grateful for the opportunities provided by the Perth Scorchers, a club that has been central to his enduring cricket story.
