Players from both Australia and England are wearing black armbands during the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval as a mark of respect for the victims of the deadly Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney. In addition, flags at the stadium are being flown at half-staff as part of a coordinated tribute during Wednesday’s play.
The gesture follows a horrific attack on Sunday night, when two gunmen opened fire at a park near Bondi Beach where members of Sydney’s Jewish community had gathered to mark the start of Hanukkah. The attack killed 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl, and left dozens injured. Australian authorities have described the incident as an antisemitic act of terrorism and the deadliest mass shooting in the country since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board issued a joint statement expressing solidarity and grief. “All of our thoughts are with the victims, their friends and families, the Jewish community and the people of Australia at this deeply distressing time. Our condolences go out to all those affected. We stand with you,” the statement said.
Australia captain Pat Cummins also shared his condolences, saying his “heart goes out to the victims, their families, the people of Bondi and our Jewish community during this time,” while urging people to donate blood if possible. England captain Ben Stokes revealed that his team was left stunned after watching the news unfold together on Sunday night. “It was silence from everyone in there seeing that happen,” Stokes said, describing the moment as deeply shocking.
Cricket Australia has also arranged a series of tributes ahead of play at the Adelaide Oval. Veteran Australian folk singer John Williamson will perform his iconic song True Blue before the start of the day’s action. The performance will follow a moment’s silence and come before the Indigenous Welcome to Country ceremony and the national anthems of Australia and England.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said the sport stood united with those affected. “This is a tragic time for all Australians and the thoughts of everyone in the cricket world are with the victims of this terrible event, their families, friends and the Jewish community,” he said.
The black armbands and pre-match tributes underline how the Ashes contest has paused to acknowledge a national tragedy, with the cricketing community using the global stage to honour the victims and stand against violence and hate.
