Adam Zampa, still feeling the physical effects of Australia’s World Cup campaign, hopes a slightly more forgiving BBL schedule will help him get back into top shape. Zampa battled injuries and illness early in the World Cup before bouncing back with three consecutive four-wicket hauls and a tournament record-equaling 23 wickets for a spinner. He also stayed on for the start of the T20I series against India but returned home after the second game. On Saturday, he was back in action in the BBL with a first outing for his new side Melbourne Renegades. He claimed the wickets of Steven Smith and Tom Curran with consecutive balls during an impressive return of 2 for 24 from four overs. Renegades face Perth Scorchers in Geelong on Sunday and then have an 11-day break. The reduced 10-game regular season in this year’s BBL allows players a little more breathing space. “Body’s probably not in an ideal situation but feeling much better than it was at the start of the World Cup,” Zampa told reporters. “We’ve got a game in two day’s time then a little bit of a break so there’s periods now to try and get away from it, get the body good and just get away from cricket because it’s been a big few months. It’s taken its toll, that’s for sure.” Australia’s World Cup triumph has still to properly sink in for Zampa who has now played a key role in both the T20 and ODI prizes. “Been home for a week and still waking up most morning’s pinching myself,” he said. “Personally I can’t believe I’m at this stage of my career. To be sitting here now, to have won a T20 World Cup two years ago and now the one-day World Cup, it means a lot to me.” When asked what kept him motivated, he said: “More World Cups. There’s no better feeling.”
