Australia call up uncapped Zampa, Khawaja overlooked

Omnisports

January 24, 2016 9:39 AM

Usman Khawaja's excellent form has not been enough to earn a place in Australia's ODI squad, which features Adam Zampa for the first time.

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Adam Zampa has earned a maiden international call-up for Australia's trio of one-day internationals in New Zealand next month.

Leg-spinner Zampa impressed in Melbourne Stars' run to the Big Bash League final and benefits from a decision to prepare Nathan Lyon for the Tests in New Zealand that follow the 50-over series.

Instead of playing the ODIs against the Black Caps, Lyon will feature in the first Sheffield Shield fixture to be played overseas - in New Zealand at Lincoln's Bert Sutcliffe Oval.

Usman Khawaja will have hoped to earn a call-up after continuing his excellent recent form with a match-winning innings of 70 for the Sydney Thunder in Sunday's BBL final.

However, Zampa - who claimed the notable wickets of Jacques Kallis and the retiring Mike Hussey in the same game - is the only alteration to the Australia squad that beat India 4-1.

"We want Nathan to use the NSW versus West Australia Sheffield Shield match in New Zealand as preparation for the Test Series and this will give us a chance to have a good look at Adam ahead of the ICC World T20," said national selector Rod Marsh.

"Adam has certainly put forward a strong case for selection through good performances in the Big Bash as well as the Matador Cup earlier in the season and we think he has thoroughly earned this opportunity.

"We know one of the biggest challenges we will face in New Zealand is adapting to the change in conditions. It has been well documented that this is something we have struggled with in recent times and a major focus for this squad will be to reverse that trend.

"The New Zealand side will be very tough to beat in their home conditions. We know we will need to be at the top of our game if we want to be competitive."

In addition to picking up 12 wickets across the 2015-16 BBL season, Zampa hit the headlines when he inadvertently ran out Peter Nevill in painful fashion during the Stars' victory over Melbourne Renegades - the ball deflecting on to the stumps at the non-striker's end off the bowler's nose.

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