Ashes 3rd Test: Australia, England Pay Tribute to Bondi Beach Attack Victims

Players from the Australian and England cricket teams came together in a solemn show of unity on the opening day of the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval, paying tribute to the victims of the horrific Bondi Beach terror attack in Sydney.

Before the first ball was bowled on December 17, both teams wore black armbands and observed a minute’s silence to honour those who lost their lives in the attack, which claimed 15 civilian lives and left dozens injured. The tribute was witnessed by a packed Adelaide Oval crowd, who joined players and officials in standing silently as a mark of respect.

The attack took place on Sunday at Bondi Beach, where two gunmen opened fire while targeting members of the Jewish community celebrating Hanukkah. The incident has sent shockwaves across Australia and the global sporting community, especially as Sydney is also scheduled to host the fifth and final Test of the Ashes series.

Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had earlier issued a joint statement condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with the victims and their families.

“Everybody at Cricket Australia and the England & Wales Cricket Board is horrified by the tragic events at Bondi Beach. 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 said, adding that both boards stand united with those affected.

Australian captain Pat Cummins also used his platform to urge citizens across New South Wales to donate blood in the aftermath of the tragedy, highlighting the urgent need for medical support following the attack.

On the cricketing front, Cummins made his return to Australia’s playing XI for the third Test after missing the first two matches due to a bone stress injury. However, the hosts suffered a setback when Steve Smith was ruled out on the morning of the match due to illness, opening the door for Usman Khawaja to be included in the final XI.

The tribute at Adelaide Oval underscored how sport can momentarily pause competition to acknowledge shared grief, with cricket serving as a platform for remembrance and solidarity during one of Australia’s darkest recent moments.