Security Beefed Up at Adelaide Oval For Ashes Test After Deadly Bondi Attack
Security at the Ashes Test in Adelaide has been tightened, with armed police deployed after the deadly Bondi Beach shooting, officials said.
Security measures have been significantly enhanced for the third Ashes Test between Australia and England at Adelaide Oval, starting December 17, 2025, in response to the deadly shooting attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney two days earlier. South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas announced additional protocols on December 15, emphasising that the steps are precautionary despite no intelligence indicating an elevated threat level to the match or other public events.
The attack on December 14 at Bondi Beach, during a Hanukkah celebration, resulted in 15 deaths and dozens injured after a father-and-son duo opened fire on crowds. One assailant was killed by police, while the other remains in critical condition. The incident, described as a terrorist act with potential extremist links, has prompted nationwide vigilance at major gatherings.
South Australia Police Commissioner Grant Stevens confirmed that specially trained response officers armed with rifles will patrol inside and around the venue to ensure rapid reaction capability if needed. Stevens balanced public concerns about visible armed presence with the necessity for effective security, reiterating that the deployments are routine precautions without specific threat indicators.
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Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board issued a joint statement expressing horror at the tragedy and extending condolences to victims, their families, the Jewish community, and all Australians. Players from both teams are expected to wear black armbands during the pink-ball day-night test as a mark of respect.
With Australia leading the series 2-0 and aiming to retain the Ashes, the match proceeds as scheduled amid heightened safety arrangements to reassure spectators and participants. The reinforced security underscores the broader impact of the Bondi incident on public events across Australia, prioritising attendee confidence in a tense national atmosphere.
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