‘He talked to me’: NSW star responds to Adam Zampa selection drama

Rising NSW talent Tanveer Sangha has offered a surprising response to the Sheffield Shield selection drama involving Adam Zampa.

Tanveer Sangha says there’s no hard feelings between him and Adam Zampa after the two legspinners traded places for NSW, sparking a Sheffield Shield selection controversy.

Zampa, who hadn’t played a Sheffield Shield match since February 2023, replaced Sangha and claimed 4/140 from 40.2 overs across both innings in a 55-run loss to Tasmania last month.

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Sangha returned to NSW’s line-up for the next match against Western Australia, which the Blues won by an innings and 68 runs.

Zampa, is a two-time World Cup winner and recently overtook Shane Warne as Australia’s most prolific white ball spinner, with 297 scalps across ODIs and T20s.

But the 32-year-old is keen to earn a baggy green before his career is over and the two-Test series against Sri Lanka in February appears the perfect opportunity for a Test debut, with Australia likely to pick a second spinner to play alongside Nathan Lyon.

NSW selector Stuart Clark claimed Blues officials were forced to pick Zampa for the Sheffield Shield clash, but Zampa and Cricket Australia said there was no such directive.

“I thought it was a strange comment from a selector. They weren’t forced to pick me,” Zampa told Cricket Et Al.

“I know I haven’t played grade cricket for a while, but this takes me back.”

Adam Zampa and Tanveer Sangha. Photos: Getty.

Queensland’s Mitchell Swepson is a candidate for the second spinning spot for the Sri Lanka tour, while Todd Murphy and Matt Kuhnemann are other options after making their Test debuts in India last year.

Sangha told news.com.au he had spoken to Zampa about the selection swap and held no ill feeling towards the fellow legspinner.

“I didn’t mind it to be honest,” Sangha said.

“I take it in a positive way. I went to play grade cricket and I actually really enjoyed it. Campbelltown’s doing really well, it’s great for me to go back and play with them and help them out and get my rhythm.

“It’s nice to play when there’s not as much pressure sometimes, it was a good break up.

“Zorba (Zampa) got to play some red ball cricket as well, he enjoyed it. It was good and positive for both of us.

“He definitely talked to me before it happened. I was completely fine with it. I was like, not a problem, happy to play grade cricket and have some fun with my grade team that I haven’t played with for a while because it’s great fun and they’re doing really well. It’s always good to help out.”

Tanveer Sangha also wants to play Test cricket. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Sangha, 23, who has played a handful of T20 and ODI matches for Australia, has aspirations to play Test cricket for Australia.

“100 per cent, I definitely want to tick all three off,” said Sangha, who is once again suiting up for the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash this summer.

“I definitely want to play Test cricket. Ever since Shane Warne stopped playing, there hasn’t been a leggie that’s played for Australia, in Australian conditions especially.

“It’s quite difficult for a leggie to be accurate and consistent. I really want to fulfil that role and challenge myself to do that consistently. I really want to play red ball cricket.”

Sangha isn’t getting ahead of himself, but wants to follow in Shane Warne’s footsteps and replace Nathan Lyon as Australia’s Test spinner once Lyon retires.

“I’d just like to wait for the right time and take the opportunity with both hands,” he said.

“Gazza’s bowling really well. Obviously he earns the right to remain in the side.

“It’s just a matter of having time and experience at the domestic level to build your skill and confidence. Then when you get to international cricket it’s a normal game and you don’t treat it any differently.

Tanveer Sangha is expecting big things from the Sydney Thunder. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

“I’m more than happy to take over if I’m performing and having a great red ball career. At the moment I’m just focusing on the Big Bash I just want to get with the Thunder boys and win the trophy.”

The Sydney Thunder being their campaign on Tuesday night against the Adelaide Strikers, with new captain David Warner back in the lime green.

Asked if Warner had turned up to Thunder training, Sangha said: “Davey’s been at all of them. He’s leading the way, showing he’s still young.”

He added the Thunder’s goals is to “definitely to win the trophy”.

“We’ve been finals for a bit, came last, last year,” Sangha said.

“So I think there’s a big expectation with the squad we’ve got everything covered so want to push for top two and then obviously the trophy.”

Phoebe Litchfield, Mike Hussey and Tanveer Sangha at the SuperCoach BBL launch. Picture: Sam Ruttyn.

Hussey following in Warne’s footsteps

Fellow Fox Cricket commentator Mike Hussey is the ambassador for SuperCoach BBL and paid tribute to Warne, who was famously passionate about the fantasy game.

Speaking at the SuperCoach BBL launch, Hussey said he was “following in Warnie’s footsteps”.

“I know we miss him a lot and I’m sure if he was here with us he’d be very excited about the season ahead. He was very passionate about SuperCoach.”

More than 50,000 Aussies are expected to join SuperCoach BBL. There are weekly prizes and cash rewards up for grabs. The competition winner will take home $25,000.

Hussey said: “SuperCoach BBL is a game for everyone, and I’m thrilled to return as this year’s ambassador.

“As a long-time SuperCoach player, I’ve experienced first-hand how it transforms the way you watch cricket - every match becomes more exciting because there’s so much more at stake. “It’s not just about strategy and competition, it’s about building a sense of community with other fans.”

Registrations are now open for SuperCoach BBL.

Originally published as ‘He talked to me’: NSW star responds to Adam Zampa selection drama