Adam Zampa emerges as potential Australian white-ball captain for the World Cup

Pat Cummins is Test captain, so selectors need the flexibility to leave him out of white-ball series to manage his workload. Alex Carey has been handed leadership duties in the past but his ODI form remains patchy. Steve Smith is the Test deputy but will be 34 by next year’s World Cup in India. By the end of that event, Glenn Maxwell, will be 35.

Mitchell Marsh has been touted as a potential Australian captain for a long time but his body is often not his friend.

Perhaps the most bankable white-ball Australian player these days is Adam Zampa. Player of the series in the just-completed 2-1 win over Zimbabwe, Zampa is only 30 and while he has not completely abandoned red-ball cricket, it is very much a secondary priority.

Zampa has filled in as captain for Maxwell at the Melbourne Stars, where the leggie has recommitted until the end of the 2024-25 season.

Captaining any side is not an outright ambition, but nor is he closed to the idea.

“I think it’s the kind of thing I would prefer just to play out organically. If Ronnie [Australian coach Andrew McDonald] and Finchy, or whether it be Maxi and Huss [coach David Hussey] at the Stars feel like I had added value as a leader to the group then I will take that opportunity when it comes,” Zampa says.

“But thinking about captaining teams, same mindset for me, if the opportunity arises and it happens organically, then I’d definitely think about it. I just really appreciate being valued as a leader, whether it be around the Australian group, or the Stars, not necessarily having a ‘C’ next to my name.”

But for now, Finch is clearly the captain, and despite the skipper’s run of poor form, Zampa says the Victorian has remained his usual self.

“Nothing’s really changed really in terms of his mindset, and how he is around the team,” Zampa says.

“Obviously a lot’s been said about his form, but it’s one of those things where opportunity will come and he’ll make the most of it and hopefully he gets in form at the right time, and obviously we’re all working towards that World Cup in October.”

While losing to Zimbabwe in Saturday’s third ODI – a dead rubber – was a touch embarrassing for the national side, Zampa said McDonald had been circumspect in delivering his post-match feedback, pointing out some poor decisions with the bat.

“Our conversations are around how we want to be playing our cricket, in particular looking to that one-day World Cup next year. We’ve had an up and down little couple of years in ODI cricket, we’ve tried to give guys games to add depth,” Zampa says.

He was nevertheless pleased to have got through the series well, taking three-wicket hauls in both of the first two matches.

“I was a bit surprised I got player of the series,” Zampa says.

“I think I’ve got my game to a point where I know my action, I know what I need to perform, so I feel like the ball’s coming out well.”

Even more important is that he is bowling with little discomfort, not always the way in recent times.

“I’m working through some issues with my shoulder and neck, which I’ve had for a couple of years,” Zampa says

“For me to train has been difficult, to try to get through games and look after it. It’s just general wear and tear. I’ve had a couple of scans. I think it’s on the mend. I felt really good these ODIs.”

Often the Big Bash League’s bridesmaids, Zampa was determined to remain with the Stars to help them claim their first title.

“I want the opportunity to hold up a trophy with the Stars. I love the club, it’s been a disappointing couple of years on the park.”

He has been a critic of elements of the BBL in the past, but is feeling more bullish about the competition following last weekend’s draft.

“I think it’s going to be different this year. I’m personally thinking that this year’s going to be a turnaround for it. I will be honest and say I still think the season is slightly too long, but in terms of the cricket in general and where the BBL is at, I’m feeling pretty positive about it this year.”

And on the home front, Sunday is a milestone for Zampa: His first Father’s Day since his wife Hattie gave birth to son Eugene earlier this year.

“Fatherhood’s great, it’s the greatest thing in the world. It’s the greatest distraction from work.”