How World Cup squad snub is driving Adam Zampa
THERE are great mysteries of the world. And Adam Zampa’s exclusion from Australia’s 2019 World Cup squad would add to the collection after being Australia’s most prolific wicket-taker in 2016.
THERE are great mysteries of the world and Adam Zampa’s exclusion from Australia’s 2019 World Cup squad would add to the collection.
England’s Adil Rashid and Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan have offered insights into the value of wicket-taking leg-spinners who can apply pressure.
Overlooked for Australia’s winter limited overs tours of England and Zimbabwe, Zampa went away to Essex then the Caribbean Premier League to find the high-fizz, fast-paced turn selectors apparently prioritised.
“Just watching the wrist spinners around the world and seeing the way they bowled, I think I had to tinker with a few things, so my stints with Essex and Jamaica were a good opportunity to work on those things,” said Zampa.
Zampa returned to the fray with 3/37 through 10 overs of quality spin in South Australia’s JLT Cup win against New South Wales in Perth on Thursday night ahead of the Redbacks clash with Western Warriors on Saturday.
“I had never played a one-day game here, all the four-dayers and T20 cricket I had played here had been hard for wrist spin, so it was good to take a few wickets,” said Zampa, sporting all the hallmarks of reinvention.
Zampa was Australia’s most prolific wicket-taker in 2016 with 30 at 27.8, the fifth best calendar year return by a spin bowler in one-day cricket. Just 18 months later selectors were investing in Test off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who took one wicket at70 in two starts against England, while Ashton Agar’s slow left-arm orthodox extracted four at 48. Rashid strolled to 12 wickets at 21, while Moeen Ali stunned Australia with 12 at 17 in England’s 5-0 whitewash in June.
“Zorba” hopes to figure in World Cup calculations, but knows he’s behind Agar, Lyon and possibly rival leggie Mitch Swepson for squad berth next year in England.
“If I can keep working on things, that will take care of itself,” said diplomatic Zampa, contrasting with Redbacks teammates who rate him the best limited overs tweaker in the land.
Zampa’s approach to the wicket is quicker, while a higher-octane action gains revolutions and turn which fits perfectly with Redbacks coach Jamie Siddons’ master plan.
A series to forget against England last summer which ended with two wickets in four matches and demotion was cited as an aberration by Redbacks coach Jamie Siddons.
New Australian coach Justin Langer remains a fan.
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