Adam Zampa will play his first red-ball cricket since the 2022-23 season after New South Wales named him in their Sheffield Shield squad to face Tasmania. Zampa, who last played a first-class match in February 2023, has a window in his schedule before the Big Bash League (BBL) to make a rare appearance in the Sheffield Shield. He has previously expressed ambitions to play Test cricket, particularly with an eye on Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka next year. Zampa replaces young legspinner Tanveer Sangha for this match at the SCG.
“Adam is a very experienced cricketer and a great addition to our group,” said Greg Mail, Chief of Cricket Performance at Cricket NSW. “To have Zampa, Sean Abbott, and Josh Philippe return after a fantastic win over South Australia is a bonus.”
Zampa’s last first-class outing was also against Tasmania at the SCG, where he took 3 for 41. He has played only six first-class matches since 2017, with a bowling average of 46.98.
Meanwhile, white-ball quick Xavier Bartlett is set to return to first-class cricket for Queensland after recovering from the side strain he sustained during the UK tour in September. Bartlett impressed in the recent T20I series against Pakistan, taking five wickets in three matches. Queensland will face Victoria in a day-night contest, which will be part of the same round that includes South Australia playing Western Australia.
Other notable selections include Matthew Short returning to Victoria’s squad after completing his white-ball commitments with Australia, and Spencer Johnson joining South Australia following strong performances against Pakistan. Western Australia has named Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson in their squad.
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