Adam Zampa: Aiming for Test Cricket Glory Despite Limited First-Class Opportunities

Adam Zampa, Australia’s premier white-ball spinner, remains optimistic about his chances of donning the iconic baggy green. Despite a sparse presence in first-class cricket over the past six years, Zampa believes his skills could shine in the Test arena, given the opportunity.

Balancing White-Ball Commitments with Test Aspirations

Zampa’s heavy involvement in Australia’s white-ball fixtures has limited his appearances in the longer format. Since 2019, he has only featured in two first-class matches, both for New South Wales, the state where his cricketing journey began. Before that, Zampa spent seven years with South Australia. In total, he has played just six first-class games since 2017.

Yet, Zampa remains confident in his ability to succeed in Test cricket. Speaking on the Final Word podcast, he expressed his belief that, if given regular opportunities in the Sheffield Shield, he would excel. “I think, realistically, [I’m] still a chance to play Test cricket,” Zampa remarked. “If I was playing a lot of Shield cricket right now with the way I’m bowling, the bowler I am, think I’d be fine, I’d be doing really well. The few games I have played in the last couple of years are suggestive of that.”

Opportunities in the Subcontinent

Australia’s Test schedule offers Zampa a potential route to realising his Test cricket dream. A two-Test series in Sri Lanka next year could see him included in the squad, especially with Australia likely to field multiple spin options to support Nathan Lyon. Although Australia typically prefers one spinner in home Tests, subcontinent tours demand a more spin-heavy approach.

The upcoming domestic summer also provides a window for Zampa to play Sheffield Shield cricket, particularly around Pakistan’s ODI and T20I tour in November. However, Australia’s selectors have indicated that Shield performances are not the sole criterion for selection in subcontinent conditions. Glenn Maxwell, another versatile cricketer, is also in contention for the Sri Lanka tour, highlighting the selectors’ flexibility in choosing players based on specific tour needs.

Zampa, whose first-class bowling average sits at an underwhelming 46.98, remains undeterred by his statistics. “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, people will say that I’m sure, but if I do get picked I’ll know that the way I feel like I’m bowling, it’ll be fine,” Zampa asserted. His confidence stems from his recent form and the adaptability he has developed through years of international white-ball cricket.

Prioritising National Duty Over Franchise Leagues

Regardless of whether his Test ambitions materialise, Zampa is unequivocal about his commitment to Australian cricket. After the euphoria of winning the 2023 ODI World Cup, he has chosen to focus on representing his country rather than chasing lucrative franchise contracts. This year, Zampa opted out of both the IPL and MLC, underscoring his dedication to national duty. He has also secured a two-year central contract with Cricket Australia, ensuring his availability for international fixtures.

Currently, Zampa is showcasing his talent in the Hundred, playing for the Oval Invincibles. He is the joint-leading wicket-taker in the tournament, a testament to his enduring prowess. The Hundred’s schedule aligns with his commitments, as Australia is set to tour the UK in September. However, Zampa is clear that he does not wish to spend extended periods away from home outside of international cricket.

“I was lucky to…be part of a winning World Cup team,” Zampa reflected. “Looking forward, the franchise thing isn’t for me. I want to keep playing for Australia as long as I can, the feeling of success in that team is something I want more of. I’m lucky enough to have signed a two-year with Australia and it’s on the basis of wanting to play every game for Australia. It meant I had to make some decisions around franchise cricket.”

Future Outlook for Adam Zampa

Zampa, the only Australian men’s bowler with over 100 T20I wickets, is set for a busy international calendar. His next assignments include three T20Is against Scotland, followed by three more against England and five ODIs. While his Test future remains uncertain, Zampa’s resolve to represent Australia across formats is unwavering. As the cricketing world watches, Zampa’s journey from white-ball specialist to potential Test cricketer remains one of the most intriguing narratives in Australian cricket.