Adam Zampa under fire again for refusing to sing the Australian national anthem

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa and coach Andrew McDonald have once again sparked outrage after they stood silently during the national anthem ahead of Australia's crucial Cricket World Cup game against Pakistan. The anthem furore has been hotly debated after it came to a head in the wake of the Voice referendum.

Several Australian rugby league players including Kotoni Staggs, Payne Haas and Selwyn Cobbo recently remained silent while the national anthem was played before the Kangaroos game with Samoa. The players copped harsh criticism for their actions with many calling for the players who refuse to sing the anthem to be dropped.

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That anger has since spread to cricket as Zampa for the second straight game was the only player to not sing Advance Australia Fair. The 31-year-old was seen singing the anthem in both of Australia’s first two matches of the tournament but has since remained tight-lipped.

Zampa was poor in Australia's first two World Cup games but has since roared back to life with four-wicket hauls against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. However, several Aussie cricket fans have called for his head as a result of his defiant anthem stance.

Mat Rogers is fed up with the anthem furore

Former dual Australian international in rugby league and union Mat Rogers told SEN’s Sportsday earlier this week that just because a player doesn't sing the anthem it doesn't mean they don't love their country. “I’m over it, like who cares, honestly,” a frustrated Rogers said.

“It’s an antiquated song made 150 years ago that we’re forcing (them) to sing, if they don’t want to sing it, don’t sing it. I didn’t sing it every time I played for Australia … But that didn’t mean I wasn’t proud to play for Australia.

"We’re banging on about stuff that’s just ridiculous, there’s so much more stuff to worry about than someone singing a song, like who cares? If that’s a genuine issue, you’ve got to get more going on in your life."

Rogers says he is a passionate Aussie with a southern cross tattoo on his chest but even he didn't sing it every time.

Adam Zampa spell seals victory for Australia against Pakistan

Zampa starred with the ball as he stopped Pakistan's charge towards the highest successful chase in World Cup history. Pakistan were 1-134 after 21 overs and then in stepped Adam Zampa who proved a key finisher once again for Australia, ending with figures of 4-53.

The leg-spinner was battling both illness and back soreness but it didn't stop him from causing a late Pakistan batting collapse when a win was in sight, with Pakistan requiring 100 from 68 balls. Zampa snared the key wickets Babar Azam (18) and Mohammad Rizwan (46) and skidded one through to trap Iftikhar Ahmed in front for 26, as the allrounder looked set to build a big and potentially game-changing innings.

Pat Cummins praised Zampa post game saying "Lazarus has been awesome". "He has been in bed the last week or two. Showed his class, he is a real wicket-taker for us in the middle."

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