Adam Zampa acknowledges slim Ashes hopes as milestone 100th ODI nears

NEW DELHI: Australia's Adam Zampa is ready to accept that he might never play in an Ashes Test match as he prepares for his milestone 100th one-day international (ODI). Zampa, a key player in Australia's white-ball cricket team, played a significant role in their victory at last year's 50-over World Cup, where they defeated India in the final.Zampa is set to mark his 100th appearance in the first ODI of a five-game series against England at Trent Bridge on Thursday. Despite his success in white-ball cricket, the 32-year-old has not made his Test debut. It appears unlikely that he will play in the Ashes, with Nathan Lyon being the preferred spinner in red-ball cricket and Todd Murphy and Mitchell Swepson next in line."Realistically, I'm probably not going to play in an Ashes in my career," Zampa told reporters at Trent Bridge on Tuesday. "I'm OK with that."We have lots of Test cricket and there's still a bit of drive to play that but, in terms of playing in England or playing in Australia against England, I don't think it's a possibility (for me)."I think rivalry in any sport gives depth to the games, you can see that with the Ashes. It's a little bit different to this series in particular, but rivalry is important and the one against England is always great."Zampa however expressed satisfaction with his career achievements. "When you look back as a young guy, playing for your country for the first time, it's not something you really think about...I never thought I'd play this much for Australia. "So yeah, it's great to be playing that 100th ODI. I have my family here (in England) -- my wife, my son, my parents -- it's going to be a nice occasion."Australia will defend their 50-over crown in southern Africa in 2027, but Zampa refused to put a time frame on his international career. "While I'm enjoying playing for Australia, I feel like I'm bowling good enough and want to improve," he said. "I'll just continue to roll through."I really love playing for this group, under this coaching staff. While I'm enjoying it, there's no reason to think about an end date."