England’s Ashes squad to join Australian team in tribute after Bondi attack
UK cricket team captain Ben Stokes says terror incident 'incredibly sad for Australia, for Sydney and for the world'
England’s Ashes squad will stand in solidarity with their Australian counterparts as both teams pay tribute to the victims of the Bondi terror attack.
All players will wear observe a minute’s silence before the third Test on Wednesday and will wear black armbands throughout the match, with flags at the Adelaide Oval flying at half-mast following Sunday’s shooting which left 15 dead and 42 injured.
South Australia Police has confirmed an increased security presence will be deployed at the stadium, including additional checkpoints and armed officers on the ground.
England captain Ben Stokes revealed the shock his side experienced as news of the tragedy at the beach-side Chanukah celebration filtered out from the east coast.
“What happened a couple of days ago was an awful thing to watch unfold. We were sat in our team room and it came up on the news about what was happening. It was silence from everyone in there seeing that happen.
“It’s incredibly sad for Australia, for Sydney and for the world. It does put things into a lot of perspective when you see horrible things like that happen. And for everyone that it has affected, all our hearts go out to everyone.”
Australia captain Pat Cummins, whose family are based in the city, added: “Like most other Aussies, and people in the world, I was just horrified watching on.
“It’s a place that’s just round the corner from where we live and we take the kids there all the time. It hit home pretty hard.
“I really feel for the Bondi community and the Jewish community, but seeing the (supportive) scenes over the last couple of days has been pretty powerful as well.”
Cricket Australia have invited 80-year-old folk singer John Williamson to perform his 1982 anthem ‘True Blue’ before play begins in honour of those affected by the attack.
Todd Greenberg, chief executive of CA, said: “While sport can seem insignificant at times like this, we have the unusual opportunity to bring millions of people together to pay tribute, to console and to contemplate what we want our nation to be.
“I’m grateful John has agreed to perform True Blue, which has at its essence the ideal of Australians from all backgrounds sharing the same hopes and aspirations.
“As John said recently, ‘I believe in a multicultural society, one where all Australians come together in unity to celebrate our unique multicultural nature and freedoms’.
“We will continue to look at ways cricket can support and honour those who have been affected by the Bondi shootings and thank those who provided assistance during and since this tragedy.”
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