From hero to zero! Aussie spinner Adam Zampa under fire after not singing the national anthem before World Cup win over Sri Lanka
- Adam Zampa didn’t appear to sing the national anthem
- Andrew McDonald and the coaching staff also declined
- Some fans are calling for Zampa’s resignation
Leg-spinner Adam Zampa has sparked outrage after he and coach Andrew McDonald were spotted silently during the national anthem ahead of Australia’s victory over Sri Lanka in the ODI World Cup in India.
Zampa, 31, was poor in previous defeats to India and South Africa but roared back to life in Lucknow with a four-wicket haul.
However, it did not go unnoticed that he did not sing for the Advance Australia Fair competition.
Footage showed Zampa remaining tight-lipped as his teammates around him heartily sang the national song.
Zampa was spotted singing the national anthem in Australia’s previous two matches but for some reason declined this time.
Zampa (pictured, next to Steve Smith) was spotted not singing the national anthem before Australia’s match against Sri Lanka
Coach Andrew McDonald and his staff also opted not to sing during the national anthem in Lucknow
The spinner’s failure to sing occurred during Australia’s first match since the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum, where the proposal suffered a resounding defeat.
It is not known whether Zampa’s actions were in any way related to the recent referendum.
McDonald and members of his coaching team were also seen standing silently during the national anthem.
Many Australian cricket fans took to social media to express their annoyance at the act, with some calling for Zampa to be dropped.
“Adam Zampa shouldn’t be playing for Australia if he isn’t proud enough of Australia to sing the national anthem,” one fan wrote on X.
“CA and many of the woke Australian cricketers are a national disgrace,” said another.
“Fire them immediately,” a third raged.
Social commentator Rosita Diaz was also perplexed by what she saw, writing on X: “Adam Zampa refused to sing the national anthem in Lucknow. Ditto for Andrew McDonald. It makes no sense to me. Aren’t they proud to be Australians on a World Cup stage? If not, why are they there?’
Cricket Australia was one of several professional sports organizations to endorse the Indigenous Voice to Parliament proposal.
Annoyed cricket fans have taken to social media to express their frustrations with Zampa
Zampa sang the national anthem before the match against India and South Africa, but chose not to do so against Sri Lanka
The Australian Cricketers’ Association is understood to have told players on the subcontinent that they will have access to advice if the proposed changes are not widely endorsed.
Athletes choosing not to sing the national anthem made headlines this week with NRL stars including Kotoni Staggs, Payne Haas, Selwyn Cobbo and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow choosing to stand still for the clash. Australia with Samoa.
Images of the quartet not singing angered former ARL chairman Ken Arthurson, who said the players needed to show more “respect.”
Media figure Peter Peters added: ‘I’m tired of seeing players zipping their mouths shut during the national anthem.’
Rugby legend Max Krilich called for Kangaroos players to be dropped if they do not want to sing Advance Australia Fair before matches.
Footy legends Mal Meninga, Johnathan Thurston and Latrell Mitchell have all defended players who decide not to sing the national anthem before the match.