Cummins defends Agar as spin option for India Test series

South Africa managed to hold Australia onto a hard-fought draw at the Sydney Cricket Ground to ensure the home team does not whitewash the Proteas and inch closer to the summit clash of the World Test Championship. 

With a day and a half lost in this Test match due to relentless showers, all eyes were on the Aussie bowlers on an SCG wicket conducive for spinners. 

While Nathan Lyon scalped two wickets in the first innings and created a bit of doubt in the batter's mind, Ashton Agar disappointed with his performance on return to the national side. 

The left-arm spinner was wicketless in 22 overs across two innings, and despite his lukewarm performance, skipper Pat Cummins is confident Agar will tour India next month. 

"I'm sure Ash will be there. Left-arm orthodox, he'll absolutely be there. It wasn’t an audition at all. This wicket was a lot different to India. It wasn't really spinning out of the middle of the wicket like it might in India. We thought the wicket was going to spin more than it did. I thought he did really well," Cummins said in a post-match press conference. 

One of the advantages Australia have with Agar is his ability to contribute with some valuable runs down the order. While the Aussie skipper did not reveal the direction the team is looking for ahead of the India Test, he feels it is exciting times ahead for Australian cricket with some big tours coming up. 

"I'm really happy with the way everyone is travelling. Our next big Test is India in a few weeks. We've got 10 big Test matches coming up this year with India, the Ashes in England and hopefully the World Test Championship final. Exciting time ahead," he concluded.

(With inputs from AFP)