Ashes 2026: Honoring the Heroes of the Bondi Attack

Tribute to Bondi Attack Heroes

In a heartfelt gesture, players from Australia and England commemorated the heroes and first responders of the Bondi terrorist attack prior to the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday. This tragic incident occurred on December 14, during a gathering to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, resulting in the loss of fifteen lives and numerous injuries in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

"It is a privilege and an honor to welcome the first responders who exhibited remarkable courage during the Bondi Beach terrorist attack," Cricket Australia expressed on social media. Heroes ❤️ A privilege and honour to host the first responders responsible for displayed tremendous bravery during the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. pic.twitter.com/Q9WdgsKVHc — Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) January 4, 2026

Tributes During the Third Test

Previously, during the third Ashes Test held in Adelaide, players from both teams donned black armbands to honor the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting. Flags at the Adelaide Oval were lowered to half-mast, and a moment of silence was observed before the 'Welcome to Country' ceremony and the national anthems, marking the start of the first day's play. Australian folk artist John Williamson performed his song 'True Blue' as a tribute to the victims.

Ashes Fifth Test: England's Performance

In the ongoing fifth Test against England in Sydney, the team reached 114/3 at lunch on Day 1, thanks to an unbeaten partnership of 57 runs between Joe Root and Harry Brook for the fourth wicket. At the break, Harry Brook was on 23* off 31 balls, including two fours, while Joe Root stood at 31* off 37 deliveries, aided by four boundaries. England won the toss and opted to bat first on a green pitch in Sydney. The opening pair, Zak Crawley (16 off 29 balls with three fours) and Ben Duckett (27 off 24 balls with five boundaries), contributed to a 35-run stand for the first wicket. Jacob Bethell was dismissed after scoring 10 runs off 23 balls, including two fours, before Root and Brook stabilized the innings, helping the visitors surpass the 100-run mark in the first session.

For Australia, bowlers Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Michael Neser each claimed one wicket.