AGAR HAPPY TO GO ON ATTACK NOW KHAN GONE

QUICK Wes Agar is confident he can help answer any queries about the Strikers’ attack following the departure of superstar spinner Rashid Khan.

On Tuesday night, the Strikers played their first game since Rashid left for the South African T20 League and their recast bowling unit got the job done in a 20-run win against the Renegades at Adelaide Oval.

The Strikers were also without injured skipper Peter Siddle and former Golden Arm leader Henry Thornton, who was dropped for a second time in three games, while all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme was unable to bowl after injuring a hamstring while batting.

Agar stepped up admirably taking 2-26, conceding eight runs in a rare power play over, dismissing Kiwi opener Martin Guptill in his next over and removing danger man Will Sutherland in a pivotal 19th over that went for just five runs.

“There comes a time in your career when you stop being ‘the kid’ and you start being a bit more of a senior head,” Agar said. “With Sidds out, the boys needed someone to take that role on and I found a lot of confidence in that.

“It’s not always going to work, it’s not always going to go to plan, but I’m glad I got given the ball (in the 19th over) and was able to execute. I’ve had a fair few years in the Big Bash now, I’ve taken wickets and I’ve done it on the big stage so that gives me confidence. For me it’s just about trying to stay tall, sticking my chest out and put on a show.”

The 25-year-old has taken 13 wickets in eight matches this season, including career-best figures of 4-6 in the rout of the Sydney Thunder.

Stand-in skipper Matt Short bowled two overs of off-spin in the opening power play and one in the power surge to finish with impressive figures of 2-26 after making 38 with the bat.

Spinners Cameron Boyce (0-35) and Ben Manenti (2-50) played their first games this season against the Renegades, with only one likely to play a key role in the run to the finals with Siddle set to return against the Stars at the MCG on Thursday night.

Last season the Strikers stormed into the finals after Rashid’s call-up to national duties. “For us it’s about adapting quickly,” Agar said.