Proud Zampa set to be double white-ball cap centurion

"Really proud to join that group,'' Zampa said ahead of Tuesday's game in St Kitts.

"Not many of us have done it. I've played a lot more than I thought, that's for sure, but it's a nice achievement. It goes to show the longevity - I just tried to make this spot mine, and luckily enough I've been around the team for a while. 

"It's an achievement, a small achievement I think, but it feels like a big one to me."

Zampa made his debut for Australia in early 2016, playing his first ODI against New Zealand in Wellington in February and his debut T20 against South Africa in Durban a month later. 

The legspinner has been a fixture since 2019, taking 311 wickets in the two formats combined, 187 at 28.56 apiece with an economy rate of 5.54 in ODIs, and 124 at 21.14 with an economy rate of 7.30 in T20s.

The 33-year-old from New South Wales played key roles in Australia's World Cup triumphs of 2021 (T20) and 2023 (ODI). 

However, with offspinner Nathan Lyon supreme in the Test arena, a red-ball international cap has eluded him.

"In terms of actual selection, I've always been backed by the captain and the coach to play my role," Zampa said.

"I've played a lot of cricket, so I know my game really well. I know my role in this team.

"I love playing for Australia. I've always tried to put that first as much as I can, so I always make sure that I'm tip-top for these games. That's something I pride myself on. I absolutely love putting on the yellows."

Zampa said he hoped to mark his milestone with Australia achieving a 5-0 whitewash in the Caribbean, though rain, which was falling softly in the background during his interview, may affect the match.

"That would be nice,'' he said.

"I don't believe that an Australian team has ever won a five-match series 5-0, so that would be a nice achievement for this group, particularly with some young guys that have come in, guys playing different roles, it's been really exciting last week or so."