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. As part of the tribute, flags at the stadium are also being flown at half-staff throughout 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. Fifteen people, including a 10-year-old girl, were killed, while dozens more were 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 with those affected. “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 read.
Australia captain Pat Cummins said his “heart goes out to the victims, their families, the people of Bondi and our Jewish community during this time,” while also encouraging people to donate blood if possible. England captain Ben Stokes revealed that his team was left stunned after watching the news unfold together. “It was silence from everyone in there seeing that happen,” Stokes said, describing the moment as deeply shocking.
Cricket Australia has also arranged special tributes ahead of play at the Adelaide Oval. Veteran Australian folk singer John Williamson is performing his iconic song True Blue before the start of the day’s action. The performance follows a moment’s silence and precedes the Indigenous Welcome to Country ceremony and the national anthems of Australia and England.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said the cricketing community stands 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 has paused to acknowledge a national tragedy, with the global stage of Test cricket being used to honour the victims and stand against violence and hate.
