Adam Zampa hopeful of Test call-up: Decoding his FC stats
What's the story
Veteran Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa has voiced his ambition to play Test cricket, despite his limited exposure to First-Class games in recent years.
A prominent figure in Australia's white-ball set-up, Zampa is yet to make his international debut in the longest format.
Since 2019, he has only made two appearances in First-Class cricket.
Here we decode his FC numbers.
Self-Belief
Zampa confident despite limited first-class experience
In a recent interview with the Final Word podcast, Zampa expressed his optimism about his potential return to Test cricket.
He stated, "I think, realistically, [I'm] still a chance to play Test cricket."
"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," he further said.
His recent games have been indicative of this belief.
Numbers
An FC average of 46.98
Zampa's FC stats are from impressive as he has claimed 111 wickets across 40 games (70 innings) at a poor average of 46.98.
The tally includes two fifers with his best figures being 6/62. He also has a match 10-fer to show.
Speaking of his stats in international cricket, Zampa owns 169 ODI wickets at 28.05 besides 105 T20I scalps at 21.60.
Adaptability
Zampa ready to adapt for upcoming subcontinent tours
Though Zampa's FC numbers may not impress the critics, he is confident about adapting his game if selected for the upcoming subcontinent tours.
He stated, "Even if I do get picked in the upcoming subcontinent tours...I'll know that the way I feel like I'm bowling, it'll be fine."
Australia's selectors have previously noted that Sheffield Shield performances are not the sole criteria for selection.
Opportunities
Zampa hopeful for upcoming Sri Lanka Test series
Zampa had expressed disappointment over missing last year's Test tour of India, where he was considered a strong contender before selectors chose Mitchell Swepson from Queensland.
Despite this setback, he remains optimistic about the two-Test series in Sri Lanka next year.
He believes Australia will bring a variety of spin-bowling options to support Nathan Lyon and hopes to be among them.
National duty
Zampa prioritizes national duty over franchise cricket
Zampa has made it clear that he prioritizes playing for Australia over franchise cricket.
He withdrew from both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Major League Cricket (MLC) this year. The leggie instead signed a two-year central contract with Cricket Australia.
"Looking forward, the franchise thing isn't for me...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," he said.