Australia and England have come together to pay tribute to the victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack, as the cricketing world expressed shock and solidarity ahead of the Adelaide Test. Flags at Adelaide Oval were flown at half-mast, while additional security measures have been confirmed for the Ashes clash starting Wednesday.
In a joint statement, Cricket Australia and the England & Wales Cricket Board said they were horrified by the events and offered condolences to the victims, their families, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia. The boards stressed their unity and support at what they described as a deeply distressing time.
Australia captain Pat Cummins also spoke out, urging those able to donate blood in support of emergency efforts. Offspinner Nathan Lyon, a Sydney resident, echoed the sentiment, saying the team’s thoughts and prayers were with all those affected.
South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas confirmed enhanced security protocols around the Adelaide Test as a precaution, with police already actively engaged with venue management. He emphasised that risk assessments are standard for major events but said alertness had been heightened following the Sydney attack.
The impact was felt across Australian cricket, with Sydney Sixers players briefly granted access to their phones under special permission before their BBL opener in Perth to contact family. Former England captain Michael Vaughan, who was dining in Bondi at the time, described being locked down in a restaurant for hours, calling it an experience he would never forget.
