Adam Zampa set to get nod for tri-series final against rejuvenated hosts

West Indies v Australia:
Adam Zampa set to get nod for tri-series final against rejuvenated hosts
JUNE 26, 20169:32AM


Langer loving Mitch Marsh

STEVE Smith has all but confirmed Adam Zampa’s recall for the ODI tri-series final in Barbados, where Australia’s rivalry with West Indies is again burning.
Zampa was left out of Australia’s XI for two games at Kensington Oval last week, but the young leg-spinner is set to play the most important match of his life on Monday, when the series decider starts at 3am (EST).
“I’d say he’s a pretty good chance,” Smith said.

“I dare say it’ll take a little bit of spin, so Adam Zampa certainly comes into consideration.
“He was a bit disappointed (to be dropped), which is fair enough.

Steve Smith is confident Adam Zampa will pose problems for West Indies.Source:AFP

“He’s worked hard in the nets the last couple of days ... it’s a final and we want to win, so I’m sure he’ll be all over that opportunity.”
Zampa is Australia’s leading wicket-taker in the series, but was belted by the hosts in his most recent outing.
The 24-year-old finished with the worst figures of his international career in St Kitts, 2-60 from seven overs.
The lowlight was three consecutive sixes from match-winner Marlon Samuels.

Samuels, a perennial underachiever against Australia throughout his 16-year career, produced a man-of-the-match knock of 92 in that game.
He backed it up with 125 against Australia in Barbados last week and the veteran has the power to potentially decide the final.
“He’s obviously been in pretty good nick this series, particularly against us,” Smith said.
“We’re going to have to get him out early if we want to have success tomorrow.”
Samuels has swapped barbs with Australia for much of the tournament, especially wicketkeeper Matthew Wade.
“Hopefully we can just let our actions do the talking,” Smith said.

The spats have coincided with some dashing displays from West Indies, who have been bold, full of self-belief and improved throughout the tournament.
Clive Lloyd’s mid-series sacking as chairman of selectors was a reminder of the bizarre world that is the West Indies Cricket Board.

Marlon Samuels has been in superb form throughout the series.Source:AFP

But, as was the case at this year’s World Twenty20, the off-field issues haven’t impacted the side.
“West Indies have been up for the fight ... they’re pretty dangerous in these conditions,” Smith said.
Pleasingly for skipper Jason Holder, who is nursing a hamstring injury but bowled a 10-over spell to help seal his side’s place in the decider ahead of South Africa, there has been a lot of dedication and desperation.

“Guys have been struggling with some niggles and it’s just good to see the guys fight through it,” Holder said.
“I’m extremely proud.
“We’ve done well in this tournament so far, we’re pretty confident.”

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