At the sold‑out Ashes Test (January 4) in Sydney, Bondi Beach hero Ahmed al‑Ahmed and first responders received a standing ovation before play began on Sunday.
Al‑Ahmed, widely hailed for bravely disarming a gunman during the December terror attack at Bondi Beach, walked onto the Sydney Cricket Ground with his arm in a sling, prompting cheers from the crowd.
Players from both the Australian and England teams formed a guard of honour as victims, emergency workers and community heroes were honoured for their courage and service.