Adam Zampa’s Test Aspirations
Australia spinner Adam Zampa hopes to wear the coveted baggy green cap despite playing little first-class cricket in recent years. Zampa, who has become a key member in Australia’s limited-overs setup, believes his current form and experience will make him a strong contender for Test selection, especially for subcontinent tours. Zampa’s Test aspirations first gained momentum last year when he was considered a strong candidate for Australia’s Test tour of India. However, the selectors eventually opted for Queensland’s Mitchell Swepson, which Zampa was not disappointed about.
“I think, realistically, (I have) still got a chance to play Test cricket. The way I am bowling, the bowler I am if I was playing a lot more Shield cricket at the moment, I would think I would be fine, I would be doing well. The few games I have played in the last couple of years are indicative of that,” he told the Final Word podcast.
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Adam Zampa’s Confidence in His Bowling
After returning to the state in 2020 following a seven-year stint with South Australia, the 31-year-old leg-spinner has played only two first-class matches since 2019, both for New South Wales. His heavy white-ball commitments have limited his opportunities in the longer format, but Zampa is confident his skills will serve him effectively in Test cricket, even with a first-class bowling average of 46.98.
Adam Zampa’s Test hopes could yet come true, with Australia’s upcoming two-Test series in Sri Lanka next year offering a potential opening. The selectors are expected to pursue a variety of spin-bowling options to support Nathan Lyon and Zampa’s experience and current form could make him a valuable asset. While two spinners in home Tests is unusual, Zampa could also see action in the Sheffield Shield, with a window of opportunity available for ODIs and T20s during the tour of Pakistan in November.
However, Adam Zampa is well aware of the scrutiny that comes with his selection, especially given his first-class record. “Even if I am selected in the upcoming subcontinent tours, people will say, my record of averaging 46 with the ball is not good enough, people will say I am not sure, but if I am selected I will do it. I know the way I think I am bowling, it will be fine,” he said.
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Commitment to Australia Over Franchise Cricket
He said, “I was fortunate enough to be part of the team that won the World Cup. Looking ahead, the franchise thing is not for me. I want to play for Australia as long as possible, the feeling of success in that team is something I want more. I am fortunate enough to have signed two-year terms with Australia and that is based on wanting to play every match for Australia, it means I have to make some decisions about franchise cricket.”
Adam Zampa, the only Australian male bowler to take more than 100 T20 wickets, continues to excel in the shortest format. He plays for Oval Invincibles in The Hundred, where he is the joint-highest wicket-taker. However, his heart is with the Australian team and he is committed to contributing to their success across all formats.
Adam Zampa is now preparing for Australia’s upcoming tour of the UK, which includes three T20s against Scotland, three more against England, and five ODIs, but his Test dreams are still alive.
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