Wes Agar has become the first BBL player to be traded as part of a pick exchange in the overseas draft, joining the Sydney Thunder as the Adelaide Strikers improved their draft position in round two.
Agar will join the Thunder after spending eight seasons with the Strikers. He only played four games last season despite previously being an important part of their offense. As part of the transaction, the Thunder and Strikers swapped second-round picks. Thunder was scheduled to pick between 9 and 12 in the order depending on the weighted lottery, which has yet to take place. The Strikers get that pick, and the Thunder earn a second-round selection between picks 13 and 16. Strikers will have a 40% chance of receiving pick 9 in 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 legs pinners
Despite only playing four matches and taking two wickets at a 10.38 economy rate, Agar is still highly regarded by Australian selectors, and he was called in as squad cover for Australia’s last T20I against the West Indies in February.
He returns to Sydney in search of a fresh start as the Thunder aim to reorganize their offense following a season in which they struggled to strike the ball.
Trent Copeland, the former New South Wales and Australia Test bowler, has made his first move as Thunder General Manager.
“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 understood Agar’s choice 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.”
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