Sydney Ashes Test begins with tribute to Bondi shooting responders

In a rarity at a sporting event in Australia, police with long-arm rifles, mounted police, and riot squad officers were on patrol as part of heightened security measures at the sold-out match following the antisemitic Bondi Beach terror attack, which killed 15 people three weeks ago.

Before play commenced, victims of the shootings, first responders, and community members were honoured with an on-field tribute, including a guard of honour and a standing ovation from the capacity crowd.

In strong emotional scenes, the largest roar of the morning was for Ahmed al Ahmed, the shop owner who helped put an end to the rampage of one of the shooters, as he joined other community members and emergency services on the field.