Adam Zampa is undoubtedly one of the best spinners in modern-day white-ball cricket, yet his aspirations lie in Test cricket. While the Australian leg-spinner did reasonably well with the service of limited-overs formats, he has not been quite fortunate about the chances in red-ball cricket. As a matter of fact, since 2017, Zampa has played only six first-class matches, out of which two have come in the last five years.
The main reason why Zampa had so little exposure to red-ball cricket was his jammed schedule in white-ball formats. Zampa had been a regular fixture in the Australian limited-overs set-up with 99 ODIs and 87 T20Is under his belt. He also turned up quite frequently in various T20 franchise leagues around the world. But amid all this, a Test cap has eluded him despite him turning up consistently.
Adam Zampa has spoken previously about his disappointment at missing out on last year’s Test tour of India. It was his assumption that he was in contention, before selectors picked Queensland’s Mitchell Swepson ahead of him. Discussing that now, Zampa spoke about any potential future for himself in the longest format during an appearance on the Final Word podcast.
ALSO READ: Sanju Samson Reflects On The Best Time Of His Career Despite Recent Challenges
“I think, realistically, I’m still a chance to play Test cricket,” Adam Zampa said. “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. The few games I have played in the last couple of years are suggestive of that.”
For quite some time now, Nathan Lyon has dominated the spin-bowling equation of Australia in Test cricket, more so at home, where rarely will the team field two spinners. However, with Australia’s next tour to Sri Lanka, scheduled for a two-match Test series, Zampa can find his opportunity to prove his worth in the subcontinent.
Cricinfo write-up of our Adam Zampa interview. Thanks for all the feedback and interest – what a great guest. https://t.co/pFnofM3DSc
— The Final Word (@Final_Word_Pod) August 10, 2024
For Zampa, the next Sheffield Shield season and Australia’s white-ball series against Pakistan in November will be an important window to impress the selectors. Even though his average as a first-class bowler stands at 46.98, something that critics might point to, he, himself, feels pretty confident in the form he’s currently in, and has realized he was good enough to make an impact if given the opportunity.
“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,” Adam Zampa acknowledged. “But if I do get picked, I’ll know that with the way I feel like I’m bowling, it’ll be fine.”
ALSO READ: “Can a player like Dhoni play as an uncapped player?” – Ravichandran Ashwin responds
The way Adam Zampa continues to build his case for inclusion in Australia’s Test squad, his determination and confidence make one feel that he will grab every opportunity as it comes to him. Whether he finally makes his long-awaited Test debut or not, Zampa’s ambitions point to his thinking about an expansion of his cricketing legacy beyond white-ball formats where he has already made a name.
