Australia leg-spinner Adam Zampa hopes to have “world-class” Steve Smith back in the team for the One Day International series-decider at Old Trafford on Wednesday (September 16).
Smith has missed the opening two ODIs of the ongoing three-match series against the world champions England after being hit on the head during practice on Thursday.
However, Australia has repeatedly maintained Smith has been rested purely as a precaution despite passing two concussion tests after suffered a dramatic collapse during nets but is likely to return for Wednesday's deciding ODI as the tourists are eyeing a series-clinching victory in Manchester.
The tourists have won the first ODI by 19 runs after losing the T20I series but a dramatic batting collapse led them to lose the second ODI by 24 runs as England leveled the series 1-1 on Sunday.
Zampa told a conference call on Monday (September 14): “It's been disappointing to have him (Smith) miss the last couple of games. He's a world-class player and has that experience as well. It's pretty obvious if Steve Smith is fit he's in most cricket teams. I'd hope to have him back for the third game.”
Reflecting back at Australia’s defeats on England tour, the 28-year-old said they missed many chances but can learn from 'adaptable' world champions.
He added, “It says England is a really, really good cricket team. Their one-day cricket over the last four or five years has been unbelievable -- they really attack with the bat and do the job with the ball. They read conditions really well, the bowlers literally hit the top of off-stump the whole time and they are very disciplined. England is just a really good cricket team and we can learn a lot from them.”
The 28-year-old spinner is in brilliant form with the ball and is the leading bowler on either side in the ODI series with seven wickets at an average of just 13.
Zampa signed off by saying, “I really enjoy bowling the death overs, I love those pressure overs, especially when the game's on the line.”
(With AFP Inputs)
