Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has highlighted the importance of Adam Zampa’s leg-spin to Australia’s success, emphasizing that when Zampa is neutralized, the team struggles to win. This was evident in England’s three-wicket victory in the second T20I at Cardiff, where Zampa’s figures of 0-37 from four overs proved ineffective.
Ponting pointed out that Zampa’s performance in victories stands in stark contrast to his performance in defeats. In wins, he boasts an impressive average of 15.20 and an economy rate of 6.38, while in defeats, his average jumps to 40.07 and his economy rate to 8.49.
England’s strategy in the second T20I was clear: target Zampa’s weaknesses. They identified that he is more vulnerable to left-handed batters, and Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt adopted a cautious approach against him, rotating the strike rather than attacking him aggressively.
However, it was Jacob Bethell’s audacious performance that truly turned the tide. The 20-year-old hit Zampa for 26 runs off just 11 balls, including a remarkable 100m six over long-on. Bethell’s aggressive approach and willingness to use his feet forced Zampa to vary his lengths, creating scoring opportunities.
Ponting also criticized Australian batters Jake Fraser-McGurk and Marcus Stoinis for their ineffective approach against England’s spinners, particularly Livingstone. Their tendency to step away from their bodies and mishit shots towards long-on left them vulnerable.
In conclusion, Zampa’s struggles in the second T20I highlighted his importance to Australia’s success. England’s strategy of targeting his weaknesses proved effective, and Bethell’s aggressive approach further exposed his vulnerabilities. Australia will need to find a way to protect Zampa and neutralize England’s spinners if they want to regain the lead in the series.
