Cricket
4 hours ago
Security ramped up for Ashes and Big Bash in wake of Bondi attack
By SEN
Security will be increased at the Adelaide Oval, SCG, and Engie Stadium for the third Ashes Test and upcoming Big Bash matches in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack.
Fifteen innocent people and a gunman were killed on Sunday, and dozens were critically injured when two shooters opened fire on a Jewish Festival at the iconic Sydney landmark.
Tributes have come in from all corners of the world, with Australia captain Pat Cummins, who lives close to Bondi, saying he was devastated by what had unfolded and confirming all players will wear black armbands throughout the Test.
"Like most other Aussies, I'm horrified," he said in a press conference on Tuesday. "We are watching in disbelief. we take our kids there all the time and it hits home very hard.
"I really feel for the Bondi and Jewish community. it's been pretty powerful scenes. We will wear armbands throughout the Test and pay tribute to the victims."
While the third Test against England will go ahead as planned, South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens explained there would be increased security, more checks and he urged fans to allow more time to access the ground.
“We don’t have any information whatsoever that indicates there’s a linkage between what happened in Bondi on the weekend and South Australia, particularly the Test match,” Stevens told ABC News.
“But we have an obligation to make sure when people are attending mass gathering events in South Australia that they’re not only are safe, they also feel safe.
“So that extra policing presence that people will see when they arrive at the Oval and during the course of the event is there to assure people that we take this seriously and they should feel safe and come to the event with confidence it will be a well managed and properly handled event.
“We are working closely with the Adelaide Oval team and their security officers.
“They do bag checks as you enter the Oval, I would expect they will be applying more diligence on this occasion than they may ordinarily do. I suggest that people get there just a fraction earlier so they can get through that.”
Cricket NSW also confirmed Big Bash games at the SCG and ENGIE stadium would go ahead with increased security due to the attacks.
The Sixers will host the Adelaide Strikers at the SCG on December 17, while the Sydney Smash between the Thunder and Sixers is at ENGIE Stadium on December 20.
Cricket NSW announced the update via a media statement.
"Cricket is a sport that connects all Australians and provides a place for communities to come together every summer. Cricket NSW is working closely with relevant authorities to ensure everyone can continue to play and love cricket safely," a statement read.
"This week’s KFC BBL|15 matches at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday and ENGIE Stadium on Saturday will proceed as planned. We look forward to welcoming fans to both matches.
"Additional safety and access arrangements will be put in place to ensure all attendees can enjoy the match. Victims and those affected by Sunday’s attacks will be recognised as part of the matchday.
"The Sydney Sixers will communicate further information today regarding Wednesday’s match to members, ticket holders and the public. Information will be provided by the Thunder and Sixers ahead of Saturday’s Sydney Smash, a highlight of the BBL season.
"We encourage all attendees to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour to the NSW Police, venue staff or security.
"Sydney is a place for everyone — our community is our greatest strength. We look forward to coming together at the cricket this week."
Paying tribute to the victims of the massacre, Cricket Australia and the England & Wales Cricket Board released a joint statement on Monday.
“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,” the statement read.
“Our condolences go out to all those affected. We stand with you.”
