Storm erupts as Aussie doesn’t sing anthem at World Cup

Australia’s World Cup campaign has been rocked by the same star that was the hero in Australia’s tournament-saving win.

A storm has erupted after Aussie spinner Adam Zampa and coach Andrew McDonald were spotted not singing the national anthem before Australia’s win over Sri Lanka.

Zampa was the hero in turning Australia’s tournament around from disaster with a four-wicket haul on Monday night.

Earlier, it did not go unnoticed that he was tight-lipped when Advance Australia Fair was played before the match began.

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TV cameras showed Zampa appearing to remain silent while his teammates belted out the anthem.

The 31-year-old was seen singing the anthem in both of Australia's previous two matches, the heavy defeats at the hands of India and South Africa.

His act of appearing to decline to sing the song came in Australia’s first match following Saturday’s Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum where the proposal was voted down in a landslide.

There is no suggestion Zampa’s silence is related to the referendum.

Cricket Australia has been contacted for comment.

Adam Zampa remained tight-lipped. Photo: Fox Cricket.

You can spot Adam Zampa's closed mouth next to Glenn Maxwell. Photo: Fox Cricket.

It is commonplace that players from a wide-range of sports have chosen not to sing the anthem while being too emotional or fixated on the task ahead.

The cameras also showed McDonald and members of his coaching staff, including assistant coach Michael Di Venuto, appearing to remain respectfully motionless as the tune continued.

Anthem silence has been making headlines this week following the referendum result with several Australian rugby league players, including Kotoni Staggs, Payne Haas and Selwyn Cobbo, seen silent while the national anthem was played before the Kangaroos’ clash with Samoa.

In cricket circles, meanwhile, the Australian Cricketers’ Association is reported to have written to past and present players to let them know there are counselling services available if they experience any issues as a result of the ’No’ vote campaign.

It comes after Cricket Australia was one of 20 national sporting bodies that made a public stand together to support the Indigenous Voice to Parliament proposal.

There has now been a small-scale backlash against Zampa for his apparent actions.

“Adam Zampa declined to sing the national anthem at Lucknow,” outspoken social commentator Rosita Diaz posted on Twitter.

“Ditto for Andrew McDonald. Makes no sense to me. Are they not proud to be Australians on a World Cup stage? If not, why are they out there?

Andrew McDonald and members of the coaching staff didn't sing. Photo: Fox Cricket.

The Australian’s Will Swanton also criticised the gesture.

“It’s just such an odd, meaningless, pointless, awkward, cringe-worthy stance,” he wrote.

“Pompous posturing. Surly and miserable, nothing powerful about it, because nobody has the faintest clue about their exact grievance. If they care about the anthem’s or Australia’s shortcomings so much, they should tell us more about it. Push for change. Because without action, they don’t really care at all.”

Zampa last year spoke out in support of captain Pat Cummins over the team’s $40 million sponsorship drama with Alinta Energy, declaring cricketers should not be forced to remain silent on social causes important to them.

“We’re obviously role models,” he said.

“I don’t think we necessarily just stick to playing.

“I think a collaborative approach is important. I do understand that money is important and we’re part of a business. We are the face of that as well.”

On the field, meanwhile, Zampa stood proud for Australia when it mattered, triggering a collapse from the Sri Lankan batting order with figures of 4/47.

Zampa was named man of the match and the leg-spinner revealed he had done it while battling through pain.

“To be honest, I wasn’t feeling great because I had a bit of a back spasm,” said Zampa.

“I was playing through it the last couple of days. Today I felt better, bowled better.”

Meanwhile, Indigenous all-rounder Ash Gardner, who criticised a call to play matches on Australia Day earlier this year, last month implored people “to educate themselves” as much as possible before voting on the referendum.

Pat Cummins’ captaincy has left him in the firing line. (Photo by Tauseef MUSTAFA / AFP)

CA chairman Mike Baird released a statement in May supporting the Yes campaign, referencing “cricket’s powerful and unique history with First Nations people”.

In the letter released the same month by collective sporting bodies, it implored “all Australians who love sport to listen with an open heart and an open mind through this historic moment”.

“Sport has always served as a unifying force for our diverse Australian society,” the letter read in part.

“Regardless of where we come from or what we believe in, sport brings people together in the spirit of achievement, community and celebration.

“Moreover, sport plays a significant role in reconciling Australia.

“It has long been a means for the inclusion and celebration of the incredible achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Shortly after his stunning effort to help Penrith claim a third straight NRL premiership, Panthers skipper Nathan Cleary released a video supporting the Voice, which received a mixed response.