Cricket NSW have reportedly apologised to spinner Adam Zampa after he was met with a wave of public criticism after being selected for a Sheffield Shield clash against Tasmania.
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The 32-year-old, hoping to push his case for the upcoming Test tour of Sri Lanka, was picked ahead of Tanveer Sangha for the SCG match.
That decision prompted backlash from several former players, including NSW director and selector Stuart Clark and former Test captain Mark Taylor, with suggestions arising Cricket Australia had directed the state to select him.
According to the SMH, Zampa received an apology over the phone on Monday, and it has also emerged Cricket Australia had no provided any such directive regarding their team make-up.
Zampa, who hadn’t played a Sheffield Shield match since February 2023, claimed 4-140 from 40.2 overs across both innings as Tasmania secured a 55-run victory.
Zampa reportedly accepted the apology and won’t take part in NSW’s next Shield fixture.
However, he did take the opportunity to have a lighthearted jab back at those who criticised his inclusion, including ‘NSW Sheffield Shield player’ in his Instagram biography which has since been changed.
Speaking on ABC Grandstand on Saturday, Stuart Clark said: “When it came to Adam Zampa, we didn’t have a discussion because there was no need to — we were told he had to play.
“We didn’t need to have a robust debate about his selection. His selection was a foregone conclusion that he was in the team.
“What we were told to do, and what’s coming out in the press, is exactly the opposite. They don’t make sense. Either we as selectors have got it wrong – I don’t know, did we misunderstand?
“But I’m pretty clear because I’ve got messages that say Adam Zampa must be in the team and there is no point discussing his selection.
“If he wants to be part of the NSW four-day set-up, he needs to come to training and play grade cricket”.
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Meanwhile, Taylor claimed that Zampa’s selection sent the wrong message to young cricketers in NSW.
“I just think that this selection is a very bad one,” Taylor said.
“Obviously (Zampa) doesn’t really want to play first-class cricket. I don’t like the selection, I really don’t.
“I think that’s a really bad message to be sending to young cricketers in any state.”
