Adam Zampa has hit back at suggestions that Australia and its players are indifferent to T20 cricket, calling the idea “totally false” as he reflected on a World Cup campaign that left him feeling “hollow” and reluctant to board the flight home. The 33‑year‑old leg-spinner admitted the early elimination Australia’s first group‑stage exit in 17 years was difficult to process, even after finishing the tournament with a four‑wicket, player‑of‑the‑match performance against Oman.
Zampa said the defeat to Sri Lanka, which effectively sealed Australia’s fate, had made for “a tough few days,” and that the team had expected far more from themselves after two years of strong bilateral performances. “After what we’ve built as a group… to be sitting here right now, knowing I’m flying home tomorrow, I didn’t envision this,” he said. “It’s a flat feeling.”
He acknowledged that the squad had not yet spoken in depth about the disappointment but expected a full review once they returned home. Zampa was particularly self‑critical about his own showing against Sri Lanka, where he conceded 41 runs in four wicketless overs as the co‑hosts cruised to an eight‑wicket win. “My contribution to that game was not where I wanted it to be,” he said. “It’s my job to seal wickets through the middle… and I wasn’t able to do that.”
The leg-spinner said Australia had failed to deliver in key moments despite having the talent and preparation to go deep into the tournament. “We’re a good team, but then results like this… it’s just hard to fathom,” he admitted.
Zampa also noted that Australia’s recent T20 World Cup record has fallen short of expectations since their 2021 title win. “We’re renowned for being a good tournament team, but since we won in 2021, really disappointing results in 2022 and 2024. Those two teams probably should have given it a nudge.”
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