Australian wrist-spinner Adam Zampa is willing for a long-term solution to the slow over-rates issue after the ODI series opener on Friday (November 27) against India went beyond an hour from the scheduled close of play.
It even tested the SCG's curfew limit for the lights but they weren't switched-off to allow for the seemingly endless game to see its conclusion with Australia winning by 66 runs.
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"It felt like it went all day. The longest 50 overs in the field I've ever had, that's for sure," said centurion Steve Smith as quoted by ESPNcricinfo for the first ODI which didn't end till 11:10 pm in Sydney.
Both the sides are now facing potential points deduction on the 13-team ICC ODI Super League table, with the playing conditions for the league clearly mentioning of a one-point penalty in case of slow over-rates.
"If, at the end of the match, the over rate calculation determines that a team has bowled one or more overs less than the minimum over rate requirement, that team will incur a deduction of one point per over for each full over the team falls short of its minimum over rate required in a match," states the rule designed by the ICC for the competition which determines 2023 World Cup qualification spots.
India being hosts for the next quadrennial event, won't feel the pinch so much in case they are punished for Friday's offence. But it could hurt Australia, who have quite a tough draw as opposed to some of the other teams.
"I don't know what the ruling should be, or if there should be punishment, but something definitely has to be done about it," Zampa was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. "From a viewers' point of view, it's probably not the best look for the game."
Zampa, however, was also lenient towards his teammates and opposition players as they were taking part in a game of 100 overs after a while, especially the Indians, for whom this was their first ODI since March.
He felt this could be a factor behind the slow over-rates as even the training exemption during quarantine can only prepare you up to a limit for a full-size one-day game.
"I wouldn't want to make excuses but it's really hard to imitate the pressure of one-day cricket and the best way to do it was when you are together as a squad and you do fielding sessions and the intensity of the training is at that international standard," Zampa said.
The 28-year-old was also empathetical of some of the fielding errors observed on the day, especially the drop catches, as he himself spilled one of the mighty Virat Kohli. It didn't cost Australia much as the India captain got out for just 21, but Zampa said it wasn't a nice feeling to drop one.
"It's literally the worst feeling in the world," Zampa said. "Each run you start to feel it after that, but from my point of view, I was pretty keen to try and make amends with the ball."
"Fortunately, I didn't end up having to bowl to him (Kohli) but it's one of those things, you have to want the next ball to come to you and also want the ball and try and get the wicket as well."
Zampa eventually ended with figures of 4/54 as Australia restricted the Indians to 308/8 and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
"My bowling is at the stage where I'm really confident in my game, confident in my action," he said on his form. "I've played enough now [to know] what I need to do and how to get the best out of myself."
