Adam Zampa, Australia’s prolific white-ball specialist, has never hidden his desire to don the treasured baggy green for Australia in Test cricket. The star leg-spinner, known for his prowess in limited-overs formats, remains optimistic yet realistic about his prospects of featuring in the red-ball format for his country in the coming years.
In a candid conversation on the Final Word podcast, Zampa expressed confidence in his abilities and his belief that he could excel in Test cricket. “I think, realistically, I’m still a chance to play Test cricket,” Zampa explained. “If I was playing a lot of Shield cricket right now with the way I’m bowling, the bowler I am, I think I’d be fine, I’d be doing really well. The few games I have played in the last couple of years are suggestive of that.”
However, Zampa’s ambitions face significant hurdles. His packed schedule with Australia’s white-ball teams has left him little time to participate in Sheffield Shield cricket, a domestic competition vital for anyone aiming to break into the Test side. This lack of time in first-class cricket has hindered his ability to showcase his red-ball skills and make a compelling case for Test selection.
The Australian selectors’ current policy, which rarely involves fielding two spinners in home Test series, further complicates Zampa’s Test ambitions. The earliest realistic opportunity for Zampa to play in the longer format would likely come when Australia tours Sri Lanka next year for a two-match Test series. Conditions there often favor spin, potentially allowing him to showcase his talents.
However, Zampa acknowledges that his first-class record might not inspire immediate confidence. The 32-year-old has an average of 46.98 with the ball in hand in first-class cricket, with 111 wickets from 40 appearances. These numbers, he admits, might not stand up to scrutiny. “Even if I do get picked in the upcoming subcontinent tours, people will say, well his record is averaging 46 with the ball, it’s not good enough, people will say that I’m sure, but if I do get picked I’ll know that the way I feel like I’m bowling, it’ll be fine.
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Despite his less than stellar first-class statistics, Zampa’s current form in franchise cricket has been remarkable. Plying his trade in the ongoing edition of the Hundred for the Oval Invincibles, Zampa is the joint-leading wicket-taker in the tournament. However, his long-term vision doesn’t revolve around franchise success. The leg-spinner is clear about his priorities. “I was lucky to be part of a winning World Cup team,” he noted. “Looking forward, the franchise thing isn’t for me. I want to keep playing for Australia as long as I can, the feeling of success in that team is something I want more of.”
Zampa recently signed a two-year contract with Cricket Australia, emphasizing his commitment to national duty over lucrative franchise tournaments. “I was lucky enough to have signed a two-year contract with Australia and it’s on the basis of wanting to play every game for Australia. It meant I had to make some decisions around franchise cricket,” he shared. This decision underscores Zampa’s dedication to his dream of playing Test cricket and continuing to contribute significantly to Australia’s cricketing fortunes.
In related news, the cricketing world remains abuzz with other significant developments. India is set to play a two-day pink-ball warm-up match ahead of their day-night Test against Australia. Meanwhile, cricketing legend Ricky Ponting has shown interest in returning to coach an IPL team but has ruled out taking up any international coaching roles. Additionally, speculation is rife as a seasoned India fast bowler prepares to make a comeback in Tests for the first time since the World Cup 2023 final.
As Adam Zampa continues to excel in limited-overs cricket, his fans and cricket enthusiasts alike will be keenly observing whether he gets his much-anticipated opportunity in Test cricket. For now, Zampa remains undeterred and focused, balancing his commitments and honing his skills, all with the hope that his baggy green dream becomes a reality.
