Former England Test captain Ian Botham has praised young Australian star Ashton Agar, saying that the second day of the Trent Bridge was entirely dominated by the teenager.
According to the Mirror, Botham awaits even more excitement from the Ashes given the incredible action seen in the first two days, and was adamant on the view that no other form of cricket could ever hold a candle to Test cricket, especially the Ashes, which never fails to surprise or thrill.
However, Botham said that for the first time, he would have been happy to see a Australian batsman score more as Agar ran short of making a debut century after going out at 98, adding that he bowed to the youngster for playing the game with the freedom and skill that makes people want to watch.
Stating that he would have been happy if Agar had made the two runs to score his debut century before getting out, Botham, however, said that Agar has now got something to aim for after missing his ton, adding that he did well for a youngster on debut and grew in confidence as the match went on.
Botham further said that he believed that England bowled poorly to Agar for an hour and a half, going away from the method that had brought them five wickets quickly earlier, providing him with the incredible scores that he made later in the innings.
According to Botham, Agar may also have been given out by the full balls from England that took the edges or bowled his teammates, adding that England missed a trick by trying to be a bit too clever.
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However, Botham said that he believed that Agar should have been given out stumped when he made six, although he accepted that the decision was not given due to uncertainty on the third umpire's part.
But, Botham said that he could not accept the overturning of the Jonathan Trott decision as he saw the deflection himself.