New Delhi, February 21: Australia’s early exit from the T20 World Cup 2026 has sparked intense debate about the team’s format priorities. Critics argue that the Baggy Greens have sidelined T20 cricket in favor of Test matches, but spinner Adam Zampa has firmly dismissed these accusations as baseless.
In a candid statement, Zampa emphasized that the team management and coaching staff invest significantly more time in short-format strategies than in Test cricket. ‘It’s completely wrong to say we prioritize Tests,’ he asserted. ‘Our coaches spend far more hours perfecting our T20 game plan compared to any other format.’
He highlighted the competitive nature of T20 cricket, which demands meticulous preparation. ‘T20 is more cutthroat than Tests or ODIs, so naturally, it gets the lion’s share of our training focus,’ Zampa explained. This approach, he added, is driven by the format’s high stakes and rapid evolution.
Fans rarely get to witness Australia’s T20 prowess firsthand, Zampa pointed out, due to the team’s packed overseas schedule. ‘We play most of our T20s abroad, often three to six games in summer, aligned with opponents’ calendars. Australian supporters miss out on seeing our World Cup buildup,’ he lamented.
Despite the disappointment of a group-stage knockout in Group B alongside Zimbabwe, Ireland, Sri Lanka, and Oman—where losses to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka proved fatal—Zampa remained optimistic. Australia salvaged pride with a dominant win over Oman on Friday, where Zampa’s 4-wicket haul earned him Player of the Match honors.
‘We’ve played some stellar cricket overall,’ Zampa reflected. ‘This early exit hurts, but it doesn’t define our T20 commitment.’ As Australia reflects on the campaign, Zampa’s defense underscores a deeper dedication to white-ball excellence amid shifting format debates.