Ajit Agarkar Stirred Up The Aussies A Lot In A Big Way – Shane Watson

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson shared one of the greatest bowling spells of Ajit Agarkar’s career.

Agarkar played 26 Tests, 191 ODIs, and four T20I matches in nine years of international cricket for the Indian team and picked 349 wickets across all formats. 

Agarkar made his Test debut against Zimbabwe on October 7, 1998, at the Harare Sports Club. But the real test for the Mumbai speedster came a year later when he toured to Australia for the time.

Ajit Agarkar stirred up the Aussies a lot: Shane Watson

Agarkar picked 11 wickets in three games at an average of 31.91 and dismissed then Australian skipper Steve Waugh on three instances. 

Watson wasn’t part of the Australian side for the 1999-00 Border Gavaskar Trophy as he was yet to make his debut for Australia. But the former Australian all-rounder hark back to the tour and talked about Agarkar’s sheer pace. 

“Ajit Agarkar is just an awesome guy. I have played a little bit against him, more so towards the back end of his career. Javagal Srinath bowled at a good pace but Ajit…

“I remember him coming into the Australia summer – I think it was 1999, Brett Lee’s debut year – he (Agarkar) came and bowled at a great pace,” Watson said on the Delhi Capitals podcast.

“He stirred up the Aussies a lot in a big way. I remember him trying to bounce out Steve Waugh and Steve Waugh wasn’t that pleased,” he added. 

Ajit Agarkar is a really nice person and knows how to connect with people: Shane Watson

Both Watson and Agarkar are presently serving as assistant coaches to Ricky Ponting at Delhi Capitals in IPL 2022.

Watson appreciated Agarkar’s knowledge about the game and lauded him for bonding well with the players in the team.

“The knowledge that he has got… he’s a really nice person and knows how to connect with people really well. Obviously, he’s got great respect within the group as well for what he’s achieved as a cricketer,” he said. 

“But he is just a generally good person who cares for people so his ability to connect and talk about things and help people out is brilliant,” the Australian added.

Delhi Capitals will play their final league match against Mumbai Indians on May 21 at the Wankhede Stadium.

Also Read: IPL 2016 Final: Bowling That One Over Just Shattered Me – Shane Watson