Ashes Match Pauses to Honor Victims and Heroes of Bondi Beach Terror Attack
Sydney crowd cheers Bondi attack responders.
During the highly anticipated fifth Ashes Test match at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday, January 4, 2026, players from both the Australian and English teams paused before the start of play to form a solemn on-field guard of honour, paying heartfelt tribute to the emergency service personnel and ordinary civilians who demonstrated remarkable heroism amid the horrific mass shooting at nearby Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025.
The capacity crowd, filling every seat in the historic venue, rose to deliver thunderous and prolonged applause as the group of honorees emerged onto the field, with the most resounding ovation saved for Ahmed al Ahmed, the fearless civilian who sprinted directly toward one of the armed assailants during the attack and managed to disarm him by wrestling the firearm away, an act widely credited with preventing even greater loss of life.
The deadly incident, perpetrated by father-and-son duo Sajid and Naveed Akram who deliberately targeted a Hanukkah celebration event along the popular beachfront just a short distance from the cricket ground, claimed the lives of 15 innocent people and left dozens more wounded, and has since been officially designated by authorities as a premeditated antisemitic terrorist attack with links to Islamic State propaganda.
Also Read: Philippines Denies Terror Training Link in Sydney Hanukkah Shooting Case
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg reflected on the profound impact of the tragedy, describing it as a devastating blow to the community while commending the extraordinary acts of bravery shown by first responders and bystanders alike, which he said served as a powerful reminder of the enduring Australian spirit of unity, community solidarity, and selfless sacrifice in the face of unimaginable adversity.
In light of the recent trauma, comprehensive enhanced security protocols were prominently in effect throughout the match day, featuring a visible presence of uniformed officers, mounted police patrols, and specialist public order units, replicating the robust measures implemented at the previous Boxing Day Test in Melbourne to guarantee the safety of players, staff, and spectators alike.
Also Read: Bondi Beach Attack: Surviving Gunman Regains Consciousness, Police to Begin Questioning
