'BEST THING!: Adam Zampa's strategic withdrawal from IPL 2024 paves the way for T20 WC success

Australia put up an impressive total of 201/7 in their 20 overs in the T20 match against England. In response, England fought hard but fell short, managing 165/6 in their 20 overs. AUS emerged victorious by 36 runs. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler contributed with 37 and 42 runs respectively, but England couldn't overcome Australia's strong performance. Adam Zampa and Pat Cummins took crucial wickets for Australia, paving the way for their victory in the Group stage match at the Kensington Oval Barbados.

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Adam Zampa believes pulling out of IPL 2024 for the T20 World Cup was a wise decision

Australian spinner Adam Zampa expressed that his decision to withdraw from IPL 2024 was beneficial, enabling him to prepare for the T20 World Cup, prioritize family time, and address injuries. In the recent match against England, Zampa's performance played a key part in Australia's victory, dismissing openers Phil Salt and Jos Buttler.

"Yeah, obviously made that decision a little while ago to pull out of the IPL and I thought it was the best thing for me moving forward into this World Cup," said Zampa at the post-match press conference.

"I was tired, I had some niggles and I'm a family man as well, so trying to put them first over work sometimes is pretty important.

"I actually am a bit of a slow starter and I put in a little bit of extra work. My body feels great and I just did that bit of extra work. Maybe a bit more bowling than I usually would before a tournament like this. And then the practice games and everything just feels nice at the moment," he added.

With the win, Australia climbed to the top of Group B with four points, while England slumped to fourth.

Cricket pundits have started drawing comparisons between Zampa and the legendary Shane Warne, following the former's crucial role in Australia's title-winning run at the the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Zampa also stepped up in big matches during the ODI World Cup last year, but the 32-year-old said the thought had never crossed his mind.

"Never really thought of it that way, to be honest. Like I had to fight for my position in the team for a long time. And then I was lucky enough to have captains that backed me, (Aaron) Finch really backed me in. And it's the same with (Pat) Cummins and (Mitchel) Marsh as well.

"And under this coaching management, my role is clear, I've done the work over time to build up that skill level. But in terms of actually my role in the team, I get backed to take wickets and try and win the game for us and I absolutely feel that with our leadership.

Zampa feels his skills had improved over the years.

"As I said, I reckon I did the work when I was young, I went through some rough patches for sure, I got dropped I was in and out of the team a little bit and then I was probably in the team and not bowling that well -- but in the last few years that skill is definitely better than it was eight years ago when I started. And then as I said, the leadership, it helps me feel at home." 

(With PTI inputs)