Zampa Prioritizes Family and Health Over IPL 2024
Australia spinner Adam Zampa believes that his decision to pull out of the IPL 2024 was the “best thing” to do ahead of the T20 World Cup. By skipping the league, Zampa was able to spend more time with his family and address lingering injuries.
Crucial Role in Victory Against England
Zampa played a pivotal role in Australia’s 36-run win against England at the Kensington Oval on Saturday. The leg-spinner took crucial wickets of openers Phil Salt and Jos Buttler in quick succession, who had given England a solid 73-run start in their chase of 201/7.
Decision to Skip IPL
“Yeah, obviously made that decision a little while ago to pull out of the IPL and I thought it was the best thing for me moving forward into this World Cup,” said Zampa at the post-match press conference. He emphasized the importance of putting his family first and addressing his physical condition.
“I was tired, I had some niggles and I’m a family man as well, so trying to put them first over work sometimes is pretty important,” Zampa added.
Preparation and Performance
Zampa also mentioned that he is a slow starter and put in extra work to prepare for the World Cup. “My body feels great and I just did that bit of extra work. Maybe a bit more bowling than I usually would before a tournament like this. And then the practice games and everything just feels nice at the moment,” he said.
Australia’s Group B Standings
With this victory, Australia climbed to the top of Group B with four points, while England dropped to fourth place.
Comparisons with Shane Warne
Cricket pundits have begun drawing comparisons between Zampa and the legendary Shane Warne, particularly after Zampa’s crucial role in Australia’s title-winning run at the 2021 T20 World Cup. However, Zampa remains humble about these comparisons.
Backed by Captains and Improved Skills
“Never really thought of it that way, to be honest. Like I had to fight for my position in the team for a long time. And then I was lucky enough to have captains that backed me, (Aaron) Finch really backed me in. And it’s the same with (Pat) Cummins and (Mitchel) Marsh as well,” Zampa stated.
He credits the coaching management for his clear role in the team and feels supported to take wickets and win games. Reflecting on his journey, Zampa acknowledged that his skills have significantly improved over the years.
“As I said, I reckon I did the work when I was young, I went through some rough patches for sure, I got dropped I was in and out of the team a little bit and then I was probably in the team and not bowling that well — but in the last few years that skill is definitely better than it was eight years ago when I started. And then as I said, the leadership, it helps me feel at home.”(Dubai7 realmoneygame)