Dec 17, 2003 01:33 PM
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(Updated Dec 17, 2003 01:33 PM)
Ajit Balchandra Agarkar - Chuupa Rustam
DOB: 04.12.77
Team: Bombay
ODI debut: v Australia, Kochi, April 1998
Test debut: v Zimbabwe, October 1998
Right-arm medium-fast bowler; right-hand batsman
Victory of India in Adelaide Test over Australia was a team effort. If batting of ''the Wall - Mr.Reliable - Rahul Dravid'' and ''VVS Laxman'', catching of Sehwag and others, two main wickets of Damien Martyn and Steve Waugh taken by Sachin Tendulkar and five wickets of Anil Kumble in First inning were the fectors of Indian Victory then we cannot deny the excellent bowling of Ajit Agarkar in IInd inning of the Test. Taken 6 Wickets of Australian Team in a single day ! What an accuracy and speed !!!
His ability to strike at the right time is also praiseworthy. He is extremely deceptive in pace- he can bowl quite fast for his slight built and low height. After great personal success in tour of Pakistan with the India-A team, Ajit Agarkar finally got the nod into the international side for the one-day series against Australia and Zimbabwe (Pepsi Tr-Series). Agarkar hails from Shivaji Park in Mumbai. Agarkar has been very impressive so far as his record shows, and runs in swiftly and bowls with a smooth action. He swings the ball both ways, and his in-swinging yorker is very useful in devouring the tail. However, he has to work to control his line and length, so that his economy rate (runs per over) becomes decent. He is also a useful lower order batsman, and has the makings of a true all-rounder, especially if he improves his batting.
Javagal Srinath's decision to retire from Test cricket means, however, that Agarkar could have a dual role in England.
He is the only seamer in the party with previous experience of English conditions, albeit in one-day cricket during the 1999 World Cup, when he made three appearances.
Agarkar is capable of contributing with the bat as well and reached a half century off only 21 balls against Zimbabwe in December 2000; the fastest by an Indian player and sixth best overall.
