Why Australian and England players are wearing black armbands for the 3rd Ashes Test | Cricket News

Australia and England players wore black armbands and observed a minute’s silence before the start of the third Ashes Test on Wednesday, as a mark of respect for the victims of the tragic Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney.Go beyond borders with our YouTube channel. REGISTER NOW!The somber tribute at the Adelaide Oval took place before the first major sporting event in Australia since Sunday’s attack, which left 15 dead and dozens injured. As the two teams lined up with their heads bowed, the stadium remained silent in remembrance of those who lost their lives in an incident that shook the nation.

The pre-match ceremony was led by renowned singer-songwriter John Williamson, who delivered a moving rendition of his iconic song True Blue. The performance, symbolizing unity and shared values ​​within Australian society, set the tone for a respectful and emotional start to the test match. Flags at Adelaide Oval were flown at half-mast, while security was significantly increased, with armed police deployed inside and outside the ground where more than 50,000 spectators were expected.Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said the entire cricket community stood in solidarity with those affected. “The thoughts of everyone in the world of cricket are with the victims of this terrible event, their families, their friends and the Jewish community,” he said.The attack occurred during a gathering marking the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, when a father and son opened fire on the iconic beach and in a nearby park. The father, aged 50, was killed, while his 24-year-old son remains in a coma under police surveillance. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attackers were motivated by Islamic State ideology.Australian captain Pat Cummins, who lives near Bondi Beach, described the incident as deeply personal. “It’s a place that’s right near our house that we take the kids to all the time. It hit us pretty hard,” Cummins said.England captain Ben Stokes echoed those sentiments, saying the tragedy put life into perspective. “It’s obviously incredibly sad for Australia, Sydney and the world as well,” he said. “Moments like this remind you what really matters.”