Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa in doubt for must-win T20 World Cup match

Australian spinner Adam Zampa could miss Tuesday’s T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka after testing positive for Covid-19.

Adam Zampa of Australia. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa is in doubt for Tuesday evening’s must-win T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka in Perth after testing positive for Covid-19.

As first revealed by The Daily Telegraph, Zampa is under an illness cloud after displaying minor symptoms, but remains available for selection.

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“Zampa is recovering from a Covid-19 infection and is available for selection in tonight’s match against Sri Lanka in Perth,” Cricket Australia confirmed in a statement.

“Zampa’s symptoms are improving and are now reported as minor in severity.

“If chosen Zampa will travel to the match separately and be located away from the Australian playing and staff group but is free to play under ICC guidelines. A decision will be made closer to the toss.

“No other Australian squad members or staff have reported symptoms.”

If required, West Australian tweaker Ashton Agar is the leading candidate to replace Zampa in the starting XI for the Super 12 clash at Perth Stadium, which is scheduled to get underway at 10pm AEDT.

Needless to say, the loss of Zampa would come as a massive blow for Australia.

The 30-year-old was Australia’s highest wicket-taker during last year’s T20 World Cup triumph in the United Arab Emirates, claiming 13 scalps at 12.07.

Zampa also boasts an impressive white-ball record against the Sri Lankans — in 13 matches across formats, the talented wrist-spinner has taken 30 wickets at 15.33.

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa. Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP

Covid-positive players are allowed to play in T20 World Cup games — Irish all-rounder George Dockrell featured in Sunday afternoon’s Super 12 match against Sri Lanka despite testing positive for the deadly virus.

Earlier this year, Australia all-rounder Tahlia McGrath played in the Birmingham Commonwealth Games final against India despite returning a positive test.

Australia lost its opening T20 World Cup match against trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand by 89 runs, meaning the reigning champions essentially need to win six consecutive games for any chance of retaining the trophy.