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Agar welcomes Lyon's ODI selection

Cape Town - Australia spinner Ashton Agar does not feel a recall to the ODI format for Nathan Lyon will harm his chances of making the World Cup squad next year.

Agar was named in the Aussies' squad for the five-match series to be played in England next month and the Western Australia slow-bowler is hoping to use the series to enhance his chances of playing in the showpiece event to be played in the same country in 2019.

Lyon, Australia first-choice spinner in Test cricket, could play his first game for the Aussies in the 50-over format since 2016 but Agar feels his selection is a positive one.

Agar told Fairfax Media: "Definitely performing well can help your chances for tours that come after this. I just have to do everything as well as I can.

"I actually like having two spinners there because you can bounce off each other, you can work together and you know someone always understands what you are doing.

"We (he and Lyon) have quite a good understanding of how each other goes about their business. If anything, it's a positive having another spinner there."

Agar has not really cemented a spot in the Australia team - in the Test or limited-overs formats - since he made international debut in 2013 - when he struck 98 batting number 11 against England at Trent Bridge.

The 24-year-old has only played three Tests since his debut and has four ODI appearances to his name but Agar says since last season, when got a Cricket Australia (CA) contract, he has had a mindset change.

Agar continued: "I sort of said that to myself before the Bangladesh Test tour - I realise that was a really big opportunity for me. I had been given a CA contract. I knew that was an important point in my career. I just had that feeling.

"People always tell you that you are young and that sort of stuff, but I guess I have been around for a little while now in domestic cricket and I have been fortunate enough to play a few games for Australia. The time really is now."

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