The selection of Adam Zampa for a recent Sheffield Shield match has caused a rift between Cricket New South Wales (NSW) and Cricket Australia (CA). New South Wales selector Stuart Clark stated that Cricket Australia forced Adam Zampa into the squad ahead of Tanveer Sangha.

Adam Zampa made his first Sheffield Shield appearance since February 2023. However, his inclusion ahead of Tanveer Sangha was criticized by former Australia cricketers. Zampa’s selection is expected to be part of Australia’s plans for the tour of Sri Lanka in January and February next year.

The player took three wickets for 96 runs in the first innings, followed by 1/44 in the second innings of the match. New South Wales lost to Tasmania by 55 runs in the match. It is still unclear whether Zampa will play in the final Shield match against Western Australia before the Big Bash League.

The selection panel is in regular contact with each state association – Ben Oliver

Last week, Cricket Australia high performance director Ben Oliver said no directive had been given to NSW to select Adam Zampa for the recent Sheffield Shield match. He stressed that the national selection committee maintains regular contacts with state associations and that the final decision rests with the state.

“The national selection panel is in regular contact with each state association, but ultimately selection for each Sheffield Shield match or national matches is largely the responsibility of the state association,” Oliver said.

“The selection panel is very pleased to see all the players playing domestic cricket and to have as many options as possible for each of our upcoming series.”

In a statement on Saturday, Oliver said: “That process was consistent with this most recent round of Shield cricket.”

We were told Adam Zampa had to play – Stuart Clark

NSW selector Stuart Clark gave a contrasting take on Cricket Australia’s stance on Adam Zampa’s selection. In an interview on ABC Radio on Saturday, Clark revealed that the decision to include Zampa in the squad was made without discussion as they were told he “had to play”.

“The problem I have with this… when it came to Adam Zampa, we didn’t have a discussion because there was no need to; we were told he had to play,” Clark said.

“Frankly, I don’t understand what Cricket Australia’s comment is because we didn’t need to have an intense debate about their selection. “His selection was a foregone conclusion that he was in the team.”

Australia currently faces India in a five-match test series at home

Adam Zampa has made limited First Class appearances due to his white-ball cricket commitments. Throughout his career, Zampa has taken 115 wickets in 41 first-class games at an average of 46.56. However, in the three first-class matches he has played this decade, he has taken 10 wickets at an average of 28.7.

Zampa is unlikely to be selected for Australia’s home Test series against India but remains considered for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Australia is currently playing a five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. For subcontinental conditions, Australia is expected to field at least two spinners.

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