ENG vs AUS: Ricky Ponting blames Adam Zampa for Australia's defeat in 2nd T20I

Legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting has openly blamed Adam Zampa for the team’s narrow three-wicket defeat against England in the second T20I on Friday, September 13, at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.

With this win, England leveled the three-match T20I series 1-1 against Australia. After the match, the former Australian skipper pointed out that Zampa's usually reliable leg spin was less effective in the second T20I at Cardiff.

Ricky Ponting slams Adam Zampa’s ineffective spell in Cardiff T20I

He noted that Adam Zampa didn't get enough purchase from the Cardiff pitch in the second T20I, and England managed to level the series with a three-wicket victory. Liam Livingstone played a crucial role in England's successful chase, scoring a flamboyant 87 off 47 balls.

His powerful performance, combined with a key 90-run partnership with rising star Jacob Bethell (44), helped England chase down Australia's challenging target of 194 in the last over.

Notably, Zampa, who was leading Australia’s bowling attack in the absence of top bowlers like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, had an off day. The star spinner finished with figures of 0/37 from four overs, failing to control the game, and the match slipped away from Australia’s grip.

If teams do get the better of Adam Zampa, Australia finds it hard to win: Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting noted that Australia often faces difficulties when Zampa is neutralized by opposition batters. Adam Zampa’s stats reveal a stark difference in his performance in the winnings and losing cases.

Adam Zampa has taken 83 wickets at an impressive average of 15.20 and an economy rate of 6.38 in victories, whereas his figures in losses fall to 27 wickets at a higher average of 40.07 and an economy rate of 8.49.

Ricky Ponting said during commentary for Sky Sports: “If teams do get the better of Adam Zampa, Australia finds it hard to win. He's the key for them through those middle overs, making the breakthroughs and breaking partnerships. That didn't happen tonight.”

Ricky Ponting slams Jake Fraser-McGurk and Marcus Stoinis

The legendary cricketer also criticized Australian batters Jake Fraser-McGurk and Marcus Stoinis for their poor approach against England spinners, particularly Liam Livingstone. Their habit of stepping away from their bodies and mishitting shots towards long-on exposed them to weaknesses.

Ricky Ponting signed off by saying, “England were willing to use their feet against the Australian spin. I don't remember too many times tonight that the Australians left their crease at all.”

Speaking about the match, England won the toss and decided to bowl first. Australian batters were not that impressive with the bat, as only Jake Fraser-McGurk could score fifty while Josh Inglish managed 42 runs to take the tourists to 193/6 against England in the second T20I in Cardiff.

Chasing the target, England didn’t get a good start, but Livingstone’s 87 and Bethell’s 44 were enough for the hosts to win the game in the final over against Australia. Salt also contributed 39 runs in England’s thrilling T20I series-leveling win in Cardiff. The final T20I between Australia and England will be played in Manchester on Sunday, September 15.