He’s been picked for his spin, but Ashton Agar’s prowess with the bat could be his ticket back into Test ranks, according to cricket great Justin Langer.

Agar is in line to play in next week’s fourth Test against India at the SCG after he was a shock selection in Australia’s 13-man squad.

The 21-year-old’s recall brings back memories of his Test debut in 2013, when he scored 98 while batting at No.11 in the Ashes opener in England.

Agar played just one more Test before being dropped back to State ranks, with the Victorian-born left-hander taking some time to deal with the axing.

Although his bowling has endured its ups and downs while playing for Western Australia, Agar remains proficient with the bat, having scored six half-centuries in 27 first-class matches.

Nathan Lyon is considered a certainty to play at the spin-friendly SCG next week, but Langer said Agar should also be strongly considered – even if Australian selectors aren’t after two specialist spinners.

“They might play him as an all-rounder like we have,” Langer said on Wednesday.

“He’s as natural a talent as I’ve seen with the bat since Adam Gilchrist.

“When he learns how to make runs and he starts thinking like a batsman rather than a tail-ender, he’s going to be a fantastic talent.”

Agar said he was over the moon to learn of his Test recall, and he has no qualms about taking on the role of an all-rounder after working closely with Langer over the past two years.

“I feel like I’m batting pretty well at the moment,” said Agar, who is a chance to replace Joe Burns in the Test team.

“I’m just so rapt that I’ve got another opportunity to be around the group again. The dream’s alive.”

Langer said Agar had learned some valuable lessons after experiencing the dizzying highs and heartbreaking lows of Test cricket in such a short period.

“You have those rises and you’re in Women’s Day or Women’s Weekly, and you’re meeting the queen. And then the next minute you’re back playing first or second XI cricket at WA,” Langer said.

“I don’t think he handled it very well, but he’s fought back. He went through the mourning period, and now he’s back playing really good cricket.”

Agar will link up with the Test team after playing for the Perth Scorchers in Thursday night’s Twenty20 clash with the Sydney Thunder at the WACA Ground.

ASHTON AGAR

Tests: 2 – batting average: 32.50; bowling average: 124

First-class: 27 – batting average: 24.44; bowling average: 44

One-dayers: 11 – batting average: 31.75; bowling average: 40

Twenty20: 12 – batting average: 10.30; bowling average: 42