Adam Zampa withdraws from One-Day Cup final: Here's why
What's the story
Veteran Australian cricketer Adam Zampa has decided to withdraw from the One-Day Cup final between New South Wales (NSW) and Tasmania. The leg-spinner made the decision in order to give his teammate Tanveer Sangha, the tournament's leading wicket-taker, a chance to play. The match was originally scheduled for February 28 but was moved due to a clash with Australia's women's series against India.
Strategic move
Zampa's decision explained
Zampa's decision comes after Australia's early exit from the T20 World Cup and the rescheduling of the final. He was one of the white-ball players available for both teams. However, when he realized that Hobart's conditions wouldn't support two leg-spinners, he chose to step aside. This way, Sangha could retain his spot in the playing XI without any impact from Zampa's availability or selection. Sangha, who has 11 international caps, has scalped 18 wickets at 18.05 in the ongoing tournament.
Recognition
'Zampa was aware of the impact'
Greg Mail, NSW's chief performance officer, praised Zampa for his selfless act. He said that Zampa was aware of the impact his availability could have on Sangha. "He was quite clear that with Tanveer being the leading wicket-taker in the competition and also still developing his craft that he didn't want his selection or availability to come at Tanveer's expense," Mail told ESPNcricinfo.
Team composition
A look at the NSW squad
The final will be played for the Dean Jones Trophy. The teams were selected keeping in mind the conditions at Bellerive Oval, where Tasmania will host. Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshuis are set to strengthen NSW's pace attack while captain Jack Edwards remains out with a hamstring injury. The squad also includes Kurtis Patterson (captain), Joel Davies, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hadley, Liam Hatcher, Sam Konstas Josh Philippe William Salzmann Lachlan Shaw and Tanveer Sangha.