Photo Credit: Melbourne Renegades
Australian international and prolific leg-spinner Adam Zampa has officially joined the Melbourne Renegades.
Representing Australia 72 times at T20 International level and 79 times at ODI level, Zampa brings a wealth of experience as a world-class spinner to the Renegades.
Zampa has played 99 Big Bash League matches across the Melbourne Stars, Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Thunder and sits fifth for most wickets in the competition’s history.
The move comes as part of a trade with the Melbourne Stars, where wicketkeeper batter Sam Harper will join the Stars in return. Harper represented the Renegades 68 times and was part of the BBL|08 championship winning team.
Zampa said he was excited for a new opportunity at the Renegades.
“Making a cross-town move is always going to raise some interest, it was a difficult decision, but I felt like it was the right time of my career to make a move,” Zampa said.
“One of the things that really attracted me to the Renegades was the fact that two of my best friends play for them in Kane Richardson and Nic Maddinson, it’s not often that you get to my age and you get that opportunity to play with your two best mates.
“The Renegades were a pretty natural fit for me, as well as having close friends in the squad and I really enjoy my time in Melbourne over summer and love playing at Marvel Stadium.
“The way that they’ve been building up the list has been pretty exciting, there’s a really good blend of experience with some talented young players – hopefully I can play a part in their growth too.
“I’m sure the move will add a little bit more spice to the Melbourne Derby, we had two pretty good games last year and I’m sure it’ll be the same again with a bit of player movement.”
Melbourne Renegades General Manager, James Rosengarten said it was pleasing to have a player of Zampa’s calibre join the Renegades.
“He brings an incredible amount of international experience to our side and continues to be Australia’s preferred spinner in the white ball format,” Rosengarten said.
“He’s competed in the biggest T20 leagues around the world, including the IPL, where he continues to perform incredibly well.
“We’re looking forward to the KFC BBL season starting and can’t wait to see Adam in action. He’s one of the top spinners in the world and is a player Renegades fans will love supporting.”
“We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Sam Harper for his dedication to the Melbourne Renegades since he first joined the club back in BBL|07.”
The Renegades will begin their BBL|13 campaign on December 8 against the Sydney Sixers at the SCG, before hosting the Perth Scorchers at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong on Sunday December 10.
BBL|13 Squad (so far): Nic Maddinson (c), Aaron Finch, Mackenzie Harvey, Shaun Marsh, Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers, Jon Wells, Adam Zampa.
