Phil Gould slams Aussie cricketer's 'fashion statement'

Adam Zampa may have saved Australia's Cricket World Cup with an impressive display but he was on the end of a spray from Phil Gould. The leg-spinner returned figures of 4-47 in Monday's must-win game against Sri Lanka but the rugby league commentator was more focussed on his eyewear.

“Why do they allow bowlers to wear sunglasses? Really? Is that necessary?" Gould said. "A fashion statement whilst playing International cricket? Did I miss a meeting?”

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While Gould took exception to Zampa's glasses, the Aussie spinner is far from the first to sport them on a cricket pitch, a fact promptly pointed out by social media users. The sunnies have been a common accessory worn by cricketers in all forms of the game for years as a way to protect their eyes from dust and debris as well as improving their depth perception, providing clearer vision in challenging conditions and protecting their eyes from glare.

Zampa is unlikely to be too concerned with the comments from the rugby league legend as despite battling stomach cramps in his first few overs, his cameo managed to turn the game on its head. His superb performance earned him man of the match honours in Australia’s first win in three matches.

The effort was made even more impressive after the Aussie spinner admitted post-match that he had been battling a niggling injury. "I've been sporting a bit of a back spasm for the last couple of days so I tried to get through this one," Zampa said.

"I feel like I'm a good critic of myself and I feel like I could be doing better but it's nice to be on the better end of the result tonight. It took me a little while to get into the game today, I didn't feel at my best again but I've just got to try and keep that wicket-taking attitude."

Pat Cummings and Aussie quicks step up amid rising pressure

Another of Australia's standout performers in the win was Aussie captain Pat Cummins who fired a warning shot at his critics, having produced the first two wickets to help Australia defeat Sri Lanka.

While paceman Mitchell Starc continued his dominance for Australia with two wickets. In an incredible stat, the Aussie quick has now taken a dismissal in every World Cup match he has ever played. That is at least one wicket in 21 consecutive World Cup matches.

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