“I don’t ever see it happening” - Australia leg spinner makes massive statement after being ignored for SL vs AUS 2025 Tests

After his exclusion from Australia's squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, Adam Zampa has cautioned up-and-coming leg-spinners wanting to play Test cricket. Despite being Australia's no.1 white-ball spinner for almost a decade, Zampa has never been able to break into the Test setup.

The Aussies have opted for the dual off-spinning options of Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy, along with left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann for the Sri Lankan tour. Zampa has played over 201 white-ball matches for Australia, including his massive role in their 2021 T20 and 2023 ODI World Cup victories.

Yet, he has never played a red-ball game for the national side despite knocking on the doors on a few occasions.

Talking about his latest snub and the dying art of leg-spin in Test cricket on Fox Cricket, Zampa said (via nine.com.au):

"I don't know, I wouldn't say if you're a young leg spinner coming through, you'll never play Test cricket, but I think if you were looking to play a lot of Test cricket as a leg spinner, I don't ever see it happening."

He added:

"I don't think I ever had really high expectations (of selection). When you suss the numbers out between wrist spin and finger spin over there, it definitely leans more towards finger spin, but I was still hopeful. That burning desire to play Test cricket was definitely still there – and if anywhere, I thought Sri Lanka was going to be the best option."

Mitchell Swepson was the last of the wrist spinners to play in a red-ball game for Australia in Sri Lanka in 2022. The Aussies have also included left-arm spinning all-rounder Cooper Connolly in the squad for the Sri Lankan tour.

"I love watching wrist spin in Test cricket" - Adam Zampa

Zampa has been one of Australia's most impactful white-ball bowlers over the past several years [Credit: Getty]

Adam Zampa said he enjoys watching wrist spinners in Test cricket but also acknowledged the accuracy that finger spinners bring to the table.

The 32-year-old has struggled in first-class cricket with a dismal average of 46.56 in 41 matches.

"I love watching wrist spin in Test cricket (but) there's obviously not a lot of it. I remember Yasir Shah a decade ago, when he was at his best when he was spinning in Dubai or wherever he was bowling, it was really exciting to watch," Zampa said in the same interview.

He added:

"In (Tests), when it's spinning, accuracy is probably the most important thing, and with finger spin, that's naturally their strength. I think the ability to hold up an end when other guys are attacking is also another option they bring to the table as well."

Zampa is currently playing for the Melbourne Renegades in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL). Meanwhile, Australia's two-Test series in Sri Lanka starts in Galle on January 29.