Agar will head to Thunder after eight seasons with Strikers. He played only four matches last season, having previously been an integral part of their attack. Thunder and Strikers swapped their second round picks as part of the exchange. Thunder were due to have a pick between 9 and 12 in the order based off the weighted lottery that has yet to take place. Strikers get that pick and Thunder get their second round selection between pick 13 and 16. Strikers will have a 40% chance of getting pick 9 via the weighted lottery because Thunder finished eighth last season.
Agar, 27, had been Strikers best player in the 2020-21 season taking 22 wickets at 20.77. He also took 18 wickets in 13 games in 2022-23. But he only managed to play four matches last year as Henry Thornton emerged as a preferred pace bowling option and Strikers opted to play two legspinners.
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Despite only playing four matches and claiming just two wickets at an economy rate of 10.38, Agar is still highly rated by the Australian selectors and was called up as squad cover for Australia’s final T20I against West Indies in February.
He moves to Sydney hoping for a fresh start as Thunder look to reconfigure their attack after a season where they struggled to strike with the ball.
“He’s a proven performer in this format and one of the Big Bash’s most likeable guys,” Copeland said. “We want to bring in players who will ultimately perform and win games for the club, but it’s also vitally important for us to attract good people who want to be a part of what we are building here.”
Striker interim General Manager Shaun Williams was understanding of Agar’s decision to request a move.
“We understand Wes’ desire for a fresh opportunity at the Sydney Thunder and wish him all the best with the move,” Williams said.
“We are pleased we were able to improve our draft position as part of this trade ahead of the BBL|14 draft later this year.”
Alex Malcolm is an associate editor at ESPNcricinfo
Source: ESPN Crickinfo