After suffering a shoulder injury during Kent’s County Championship game against Worcestershire in the second week of May, Wes Agar was forced to end his 2024 campaign at Kent.
The decision has been made for Agar to return to Australia in order to aid in a full recovery, even though he recovered enough to play against Essex at the end of last month. Originally scheduled to stay in Canterbury until the end of July, Agar—who has two ODI caps—was expected to be ready for the Vitality Blast as well as the County Championship. Not having made an appearance in the latter this summer, he departs.
The news that Agar will return for the 2025 season on an all-format deal that runs from April to July, subject to regulatory permission, eased some of the blow of losing the South Australian. While playing just six matches in 2023, Agar got 21 wickets at 28.33 during his debut season at the club. Despite this, he finished the season as the club’s joint-leading wicket-taker with Matt Quinn, having taken 12 County Championship wickets at 34.25.
Agar released a statement on Tuesday, saying, “I’m thrilled to be coming back to my ‘home away from home’ again next year.” “I feel like I’m a part of the Kent Cricket Family now; it’s a fantastic club with amazing people both on and off the pitch, so it was an easy choice to re-sign for another English summer. In 2025, I can’t wait to perform in front of our members and fans while wearing the Kent shirt once more.
“I’ve had an incredible time in Canterbury this year, and I’m sad to be leaving the boys early. I’ll see you all in April.
Simon Cook, Director of Cricket at Kent, stated: “Wes is a very popular member of our dressing room and a talented multi-format cricketer; we’re thrilled that he will be returning next summer.”
We are excited to have him as a key member of our attack at the beginning of our 2025 season because of his positive attitude and strong work ethic. Although it’s unfortunate that he had to depart early due to a shoulder injury, we are confident that he will return the following year determined to give it his all while wearing a Kent shirt.”
Agar intends to recuperate in order to participate fully in South Australia’s Sheffield Shield campaign. After eight seasons with the Adelaide Strikers, he was the first player in the BBL to be traded as part of an overseas draft selection exchange. He will now play for Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.