Legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting has openly blamed Adam Zampa for his team’s narrow three-wicket defeat against England in the second T20I on Friday, September 13 at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.
With this win, England levelled the three-match T20I series 1-1 against Australia. After the match, the former Australian captain pointed out that Zampa’s usually reliable leg-spinner was less effective in the second T20I in Cardiff.
Ricky Ponting criticises Adam Zampa’s lack of effectiveness in Cardiff T20I
He pointed out that Adam Zampa did not have enough control of the Cardiff pitch in the second T20I, and England managed to level the series with a three-wicket win. Liam Livingstone played a crucial role in England’s successful chase, scoring an extravagant 87 off 47 balls.
His powerful performance, combined with a key 90-run partnership with rising star Jacob Bethell (44), helped England reach Australia’s challenging target of 194 in the last over.
It is noteworthy that Zampa, who was leading Australia’s bowling attack in the absence of top spinners Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, had a poor day. The star bowler finished with figures of 0/37 in four overs, failing to control the game as the match slipped away from Australia’s hands.
If teams get past Adam Zampa, Australia will struggle to win: Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting pointed out that Australia often face difficulties when Zampa is neutralised by opposition batsmen. Adam Zampa’s statistics reveal a marked difference in his performance in wins and losses.
Adam Zampa has taken 83 wickets at an impressive average of 15.20 and an economy rate of 6.38 in wins, while his figures in losses drop to 27 wickets at a highest average of 40.07 and an economy rate of 8.49.
Ricky Ponting said during a commentary for Sky Sports: “If teams get past Adam Zampa, Australia will find it difficult to win. He is the key for them in those middle overs, making breakthroughs and breaking partnerships. That didn’t happen tonight.”
Ricky Ponting criticizes Jake Fraser-McGurk and Marcus Stoinis
The legendary cricketer also criticised Australian batsmen Jake Fraser-McGurk and Marcus Stoinis for their poor strategy against English bowlers, particularly Liam Livingstone. Their habit of moving away from their bodies and missing shots towards the long-on batsmen exposed them to weaknesses.
Ricky Ponting concluded by saying: “England were willing to use their feet against the Australian spin. I can’t remember many times tonight when the Australians left their crease.”
Talking about the match, England won the toss and decided to bowl first. The Australian batsmen were not that impressive with the bat as only Jake Fraser-McGurk could score a fifty while Josh Inglish managed 42 runs to take the tourists to 193/6 against England in the second T20I in Cardiff.
In pursuit of the target, England did not get off to a good start but Livingstone’s 87 and Bethell’s 44 were enough for the hosts to win the match in the final over against Australia. Salt also contributed 39 runs in England’s thrilling series-levelling T20I win in Cardiff. The final T20I between Australia and England will be played in Manchester on Sunday, September 15.
