India and Australia are set to face each other in an exciting five-match T20 series starting from October 29 in Canberra. But a few days before the T20 series, Australia has suffered a big blow, because their star leg spinner Adam Zampa will not be able to play in the beginning of the series due to personal reasons.
Adam Zampa, one of Australia’s most reliable bowlers in limited overs cricket, will miss the start of the upcoming five-match T20 series against India. The star spinner was recently a part of Australia’s 2-1 ODI series win over the Men in Blue on home soil.
Big blow for Australia, Adam Zampa misses the start of India T20 series
According to an ESPN Cricinfo report, Zampa will be staying at home as he and his wife Harriet await the arrival of their second child later this month.
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The 32-year-old had earlier missed the first ODI in Perth due to long distance travel, but returned to form in Adelaide, where he won the player of the match award.
He bowled 10 overs and conceded 50 runs in the last ODI at the SCG. His absence will be felt as Zampa is the leading wicket-taker for Australia in T20 Internationals. The leg spinner has so far taken 131 wickets in 106 T20Is and 196 wickets in 116 ODIs for Australia.
Tanvir Sangha recalled to Australia’s T20I squad for India series
However, Australia have found a solid replacement to maintain balance in their attack. Actually, young leg spinner Tanveer Sangha has returned to the T20 team. Sangha recently performed well for Australia A on the India tour, taking 7 wickets in three ODIs, and is currently the top wicket-taker for New South Wales in the One Day Cup with 10 wickets in only 4 matches.
If the pitch favors spinners, the 23-year-old could form a strong spin attack alongside left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnman in the upcoming T20 series against India. With Adam Zampa away for some time, Tanveer Sangha now has a golden opportunity to prove himself.
The crucial India series gives the young spinner an ideal platform to showcase his talent and make an impact as Australia prepares for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Both India and Australia will be using these T20I games to improve their squads ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, with several young players aiming to make a strong impression.
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Australia plans smart player rotation ahead of busy season
Meanwhile, Australia’s T20I team is set to make a number of key changes as part of its plan to manage player workload ahead of a busy summer. The selectors have adopted a smart rotation policy to keep their fast bowlers fresh and ready for the challenges ahead.
Senior fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will play only the first two matches of the five-match T20 series and then play in Sydney before being given a break. The move comes as part of Cricket Australia’s strategy to keep Hazlewood fit and fresh for the upcoming Test season.
Meanwhile, veteran all-rounder Sean Abbott will be available for the third T20I in Hobart before returning home for a short break. Amidst these changes, all eyes will be on Western Australia’s flamboyant young fast bowler 20-year-old Mahali Beardman. Beardman is known for his fast pace and aggressive style and is expected to join the team at the end of the series.