Adam Zampa: It’s an exciting time for cricket in England

Essex Eagles spin bowler Adam Zampa believes that the feel-good factor surrounding England’s World Cup win will only help in growing cricket in England.

The Australian international returned to Essex early on Wednesday to prepare for the Eagles’ opening fixture of the Vitality T20 Blast on Thursday evening against Surrey at Lords; however, the leg-spinner stated that England’s recent triumph in the Cricket World Cup will only benefit the growth of the sport in England.

England one-day captain Eoin Morgan eventually ended up with his hands lifting the trophy aloft after narrowly beating New Zealand at Lords on Sunday.

Morgan captained his side to England’s first-ever World Cup victory; however, there was very little to separate the two sides as a tied inning and tied super over led to the host country being victorious based on the cumulative number of boundaries scored.

In a final which included everything from disappointment, exhilaration, pure drama and drama, Zampa believes there is no better time to get involved with cricket.

“I suppose the way England have been playing their cricket, with them winning the World Cup there is a really good feel about the sport in the country,” he said. “There is a lot to play for as well.

“I think growing up watching my heroes win World Cups definitely inspired me and hopefully that inspires the younger generations too. I think it’s a good time to be around the sport in the country.

“There’s a lot of big things coming up in the sport too, with the Ashes coming up and the 100-ball competition starting soon. So it’s an exciting time.”

Adam Zampa’s return to Essex for the Vitality T20 Blast was announced last December. Credit: Essex Cricket / Twitter

Essex begin their Vitality T20 Blast campaign at the ground in which England were victorious just four days earlier, Lords. The Eagles take on Middlesex before hosting Surrey in Chelmsford and Zampa is keen on a good start to the competition despite a difficult double-header to begin.

The 26-year-old had his return to Essex confirmed back in December; however, the Aussie bowler remains excited upon the eve of the tournament opener.

“It was the easiest decision to rejoin Essex,” he said ahead of the Eagles’ opening fixtures.

“I loved it here last year. Obviously, we didn’t have the success that we would have liked, but I think it’s a really great club.

“At the moment we are performing in the four-day, Championship stuff. There is a really good feel, good vibe around the place but yeah. I made some really good friendships here last year and absolutely loved playing at Chelmsford.

“Yeah, the morale here is good.” he added. “I’m reintroducing myself because today is my first day back. So a little bit of training and it seems like the morale high. Everyone seems excited to play the first game on Thursday at Lords.”

“I’ve enjoyed my time playing twenty-twenty cricket around the world, so for all the other guys who don’t get the opportunity to play twenty-twenty cricket it is a pressure game. I think the more you play it, the more you understand it. Calmness is important and keeping it simple.”

“It’s really important [for the fans to get behind the team]. One of my favourite memories is playing Friday nights at Chelmsford. The crowd can be pretty rowdy but they do support the Eagles so I look forward to playing on Friday night.”