Australia Spinner Adam Zampa Aiming for Red-Ball Return: Opportunity for Play Test Still Possible

Australian spinner Adam Zampa remains optimistic about wearing the famous Baggy Green cap despite his limited first-class appearances in recent years. Zampa, who has emerged as a crucial figure in Australia’s limited-overs squad, is confident that his current form and experience would make him a strong candidate for Test selection, especially for overseas tours. Zampa’s desire to play Test cricket was initially noticed last year when he was considered for Australia’s Test tour of India. However, the selectors ultimately chose Queensland’s Mitchell Swepson, leaving Zampa disheartened but undeterred.

“I believe, realistically, I still have a chance to play Test cricket,” he shared on the Final Word podcast. “If I were playing more Shield cricket at the moment with the way I’m bowling, the type of bowler I am, I think I would be successful, I would be performing really well. The limited number of games I have played in the last couple of years indicate that.”

The 31-year-old leg-spinner has only participated in two first-class matches since 2019, both for New South Wales, after returning to the state in 2020 following a seven-year tenure with South Australia. His commitments in white-ball cricket have restricted his opportunities in the longer format, but Zampa remains convinced that his skills would be effective in Test cricket, despite having a first-class bowling average of 46.98.

Zampa’s hopes of playing Test cricket could materialize, with Australia’s upcoming two-Test series in Sri Lanka next year providing a potential chance. The selectors are likely to consider various spin-bowling options to support Nathan Lyon, and Zampa’s experience and current form could be valuable. While having two spinners in home Tests is uncommon, Zampa may also feature in the Sheffield Shield, with an opportunity available before and after Pakistan’s visit in November for ODIs and T20Is.

However, Zampa recognizes the scrutiny that would come with his selection, particularly due to his first-class record. “Even if I do get selected for the upcoming overseas tours, people may criticize my bowling average of 46, saying it’s not good enough, I’m sure people will say that, but if I do get chosen, I have confidence in my bowling form,” he explained.

Regardless of whether he fulfills his dream of playing Test cricket, Zampa has emphasized his focus on representing Australia in international matches. Following the joy of winning the 2023 ODI World Cup, Zampa opted out of both the IPL and Major League Cricket (MLC) this year, reaffirming his dedication to the national team. He recently signed a two-year central contract with Cricket Australia, prioritizing national duty over lucrative franchise leagues.

“I was fortunate to be part of a winning World Cup team,” he stated. “Looking ahead, franchise cricket is not my priority. I aim to continue playing for Australia for as long as possible, as I crave more success with the national team. Signing a two-year contract with Australia was a decision I made to prioritize playing every game for my country. It meant sacrificing opportunities in franchise cricket.”

Zampa, the only Australian male bowler with over 100 T20I wickets, continues to excel in the shortest format. Currently representing Oval Invincibles in The Hundred, where he is the joint-leading wicket-taker, his commitment lies with the Australian team as he strives to contribute to their achievements in all formats.

As Zampa gears up for Australia’s upcoming tour of the UK, which includes three T20Is against Scotland, three more against England, and five ODIs, his aspirations of playing Test cricket remain alive.