My dream is still to play Test cricket: Adam Zampa

Keeping the Test series against India in mind for next year, Australia leg-spinner Adam Zampa is gearing up to make his first Sheffield Shield appearance in over three years. The 30-year-old is named in the New South Wales squad which will take on Victoria in Melbourne from December 1.

As Australia are about to take on the West Indies in a two-match Test series starting November 30 and then South Africa in a three-match Test series, a window has opened up for Zampa to play the domestic tournament (Sheffield Shield) before the Big Bash League (BBL 2022-23) starts.

In 38 first-class matches so far in his career, Zampa has picked up 105 wickets at an average of 48.26. By virtue of playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Zampa is aware of the Indian conditions and can be a threat on the wickets in India as they assist spinners. Thus, it’s likely that the Kangaroos will consider more spinners for the India tour and that’s where Zampa wants to capitalise.

Now, even though he has been Australia’s go-to spinner in white-ball cricket over the years, Zampa is yet to get his hands on the baggy green. Before taking on Victoria in a few days time, Zampa revealed his intention to play Test cricket and earn a call-up for the India tour.

“My dream is still to play Test cricket. I feel like my game’s evolved over the last few years, it’s just about the workload and seeing how my body will cope. I’d love to throw my hat in the ring [for the India tour],” Zampa told Fox Sports.

To be able to bring in a player of his calibre and experience is a welcome one: NSW management

With Nathan Lyon being the lead spinner and Mitchell Swepson being the other choice in Australia’s last two tours to Asia, Zampa’s chances of making it to the squad for the India tour are not significantly high.

The New South Wales management is delighted to have Zampa for a Sheffield Shield match against Victoria.

“It’s rare that Adam (Zampa) is available for Sheffield Shield, given his taxing white ball schedule but he has this week free and has always maintained his desire to play red-ball cricket. For us to be able to bring in a player of his calibre and experience is a welcome one,” New South Wales’ head of male cricket Michael Klinger said.