Players from Australia and England will wear black armbands during the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval this week to honor the victims of Sunday’s shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
As part of the tribute, flags at Adelaide Oval will be flown at half-mast, and a moment’s silence will be held before the Welcome to Country and national anthems on the opening day of the Test.
Australian folk singer John Williamson will also perform his song “True Blue” as a tribute to the victims.
Australia captain Pat Cummins said the incident had deeply affected him and his family, as it happened close to where they live.
“Like most other Aussies and people around the world, I was horrified watching on,” Cummins said after training on Tuesday. “It really hit home because it’s a place we visit often with our kids.”
Cummins said his thoughts were with everyone affected by the attack, particularly the Bondi community and the Jewish community.
England captain Ben Stokes said the England players watched the events unfold on television from their hotel and felt deep sympathy for the victims and their families.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said the match would bring millions of people together to reflect, show unity and support during a difficult time for the nation.
South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas confirmed that additional security measures will be in place at Adelaide Oval as a precaution. The first three days of the Test are sold out, and authorities say safety remains a top priority.
Fifteen people were killed and many others injured when gunmen opened fire on crowds gathered at Bondi Beach in Sydney during celebrations marking the first night of Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday.