The Power’s football analyst Chris Sheedy is partly to thank for Agar’s stunning batting display as it was Sheedy’s company –TNF Cricket - that provided Australia’s newest wonderkid with the piece of willow that helped destroy the Poms.
Sheedy built a strong friendship with Agar while playing together for Richmond in Victoria’s grade competition, which resulted in Agar using TNF Cricket gear for Western Australia and now Australia.
Sheedy wasn’t surprised by Agar’s heroics.
“Ashton has always shown he could bat,” Sheedy said.
“Playing grade cricket with him, he’d regularly bat in the top six and while his real talent is with the ball, there’s no doubt he’ll make plenty of runs over his career too.
“I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face seeing the company my brother and I own – TNF Cricket – getting huge exposure on the world stage.
“It’s obviously just a side project for me given footy takes up plenty of my time, but it was a nice little bonus to see him using our bat.”
While Agar fell agonisingly short of a century on debut, he set two incredible records using the TNF willow.
- Highest score for a number 11 in Test history (previous best – 95 Tino Best)
- Highest 10th wicket partnership in Test history – combining with Phil Hughes to put on 163 (previous best – 151)
Sheedy says the performance will live long in the memories of Australians and English alike – and could result in an influx of orders for the bat Agar used.
“I’ve been storing cricket gear in my spare bedroom over the past few years,” Sheedy said.
“I might need a bigger house after this performance!”
