Ashton Agar ready for Test return

The 23-year-old was named in Australia's squad for the final Test against Pakistan in Sydney next week, one of two changes, alongside the inclusion of Steve O'Keefe, from the side that secured the series in Melbourne.

The spinner helped guide Perth Scorchers to a final-ball victory over Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League — Agar swatting a six to secure the win.

Ashton Agar admitted his first Test call in three years came as something of a surprise but he is ready to grab the opportunity.

The 23-year-old was named in Australia's squad for the final Test against Pakistan in Sydney next week, one of two changes, alongside the inclusion of Steve O'Keefe, from the side that secured the series in Melbourne.

It capped a memorable 24 hours for Agar after he helped guide Perth Scorchers to a final-ball victory over Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League — Agar swatting a six to secure the win.

Agar has not featured in the long format of international cricket since 2013 when he made two appearances during Australia's tour of England — the spinner making 98 on his debut.

And he hopes to have a similar impact if selected against Pakistan when the final Test gets underway at the SCG on Tuesday.

"That's a great few hours of my life," said Agar. "It was nice to hit the winning runs the other night, and to get the call in the morning really topped it off.

"I honestly thought I'd just be heading back to Perth but I'm very, very happy to be here. 

"There hasn't been a lot of information yet [about the make-up of the final team], so I'm just going to try and train really well and put my best foot forward and we'll just see how the selection pans out," he added. 

"I'm not going to look any further than the next couple of training days [in Sydney], that's what's worked for me at the moment. I've tried to not look far ahead at all and it's held me in good stead this season," said the spinner.

Agar and O'Keefe are expected to battle for a spinner role within Steve Smith's team, but the former believes he can also contribute with the bat lower down the order.

"I see myself as an all-rounder," he added. "I've been selected in this squad as a spinner, but I think I'm capable with bat and ball. I think I would be able to (bat in the top seven) if I was given that opportunity. 

"You just have to make good decisions and that's what I'm learning more and more each time I'm batting in first class cricket," concluded Agar.