Leg-spinner Adam Zampa has revealed criticism from teammate Tim Paine reignited a competitive streak which sparked a crucial spell of bowling in Australia's T20 victory over India.
Zampa struggled during the one-day international series, coming under heavy punishment in the series opener from Indian dynamo Hardik Panda.
He was dropped after the first match only to be given a reprieve when left-arm tweaker Ashton agar returned to Australia nursing a broken finger.
But despite the recall, Zampa failed to make a major impact in two dead rubbers.
"Tim Paine said from watching from afar in Australia, I didn't look my usual self. How I usually am in the Big Bash - that competitive side," Zampa said.
"I don't like hearing that about myself so I was pretty fired up about that."
A provoked Zampa took 2-19 off his four overs as Australia levelled the series at 1-1 in Guwahati.
And it was a combination with Paine, who showed he is one of Australia's finest glovemen, which removed the dangerous MS Dhoni after a classical legbreak caused a stumping.
Zampa's second wicket was arguably more impressive, a wrong'un which confused Kedar Jadhav and clattered into his stumps
"I've never found myself as the most skilful bowler. But I'd like to think I come back well from setbacks," Zampa said.
The 24-year-old admits he needs to be more consistent to hold a place in the Australian side after spending two years in and out of the line-up.
"It was personally disappointing, you always want to play," Zampa said of being dropped.
"It's so annoying when you have to run drinks and do all that other crap."
With his selection no longer in doubt, Zampa has turned his attention to Friday's series decider in Hyderabad where the Australians are hoping to salvage a victory from a mostly disappointing tour.
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