Authorities have announced heightened security measures for the third Ashes Test between Australia and England at the Adelaide Oval, set to begin on Wednesday, following shooting attacks at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas confirmed that additional protocols, including the deployment of rifle-armed police, will be in place around the venue.
“Given the events that have occurred in Sydney, there will be additional protocols put in place at Adelaide Oval. This is done only as a precautionary measure, but it is appropriate that we are in a heightened state of alert at the moment,” Malinauskas was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.
The attacks, carried out by two men during a Jewish celebration at Bondi Beach, left 15 people dead and several others injured. The assailants were quickly apprehended, with one killed and the other in critical condition in hospital.
In response to the incident, South Australia Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said that specially trained security response officers equipped with rifles would be deployed around the Adelaide Oval during the match.
“There is a balance between concerns about police officers carrying rifles in the community and the need for us to be able to respond effectively should an incident occur. These officers are specifically trained for that purpose,” he said.
Despite the increased security presence, authorities said there was no evidence of a specific or heightened threat to the cricket match or other community gatherings.
In a joint statement, Cricket Australia (CA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) expressed shock and sorrow over the Bondi Beach attack.
“All of our thoughts are with the victims, their friends and families, the Jewish community and the people of Australia at this deeply distressing time. Our condolences go out to all those affected,” the statement said.
As a mark of respect, a minute’s silence will be observed before the match, and players from both teams will wear black armbands in tribute to those affected by the violence.
Australia currently lead the five-match series 2-0 and will be aiming to retain the Ashes urn with a win in the third Test.
-IANS
