Wes Agar becomes the first player to be traded in pick exchange overseas draft

As part of a pick exchange in the overseas draft of the Australian T20 League, Wes Agar has been traded from the Adelaide Strikers to Sydney Thunder. The pace bowler will head to Thunder after four seasons with the Strikers. He made only four appearances last season, having been a key part of their setup in the past. Thunder and Strikers swapped their second round picks as per the terms of the exchange. 

Strikers will get Thunder’s early pick in round two– the pick number will be determined during draft lottery slated later in the year- while Thunder will receive Strikers’ subsequent pick. 

Thunder are set to acquire an earlier draft pick because they finished last season at the bottom of the table while Strikers get a later pick after finishing in the upper half at third place. 

Former New South Wales and Australia Test bowler Trent Copeland took up the role of Thunder’s general manager recently and this is his first move at the helm. 

"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."

Meanwhile, Strikers’ interim General Manager, Shaun Williams was comprehending Agar’s decision to request a transfer. 

"We understand Wes' desire for a fresh opportunity at the Sydney Thunder, and wish him all the best with the move," he said. "We are pleased we were able to improve our draft position as part of this trade ahead of the Aus T20 League 14 draft later this year."

The 27 year old was Strikers’ best player in the 2020-21 season, picking up 22 wickets at 20.77. He also took 18 scalps in 13 games in 2022-23. But he only played a handful appearances 4 to be precise last year as Henry Thornton came out as a preferred seam-bowling alternative, even as the men in blue chose to play two leg spinners.

Despite only claiming two wickets in 4 matches at a steep economy rate of 10.38, Agar is still rated highly by the Australian selectors and was called up as cover for Australia’s final T20I against the Caribbean in February. He moves to Thunder hoping for a new start as the Sydney based franchise look to revamp their bowling attack after a season where they looked toothless.