Australian police announced plans to increase staffing at the Sydney Cricket Ground for the fifth Ashes Test, beginning on Sunday, weeks after gunmen killed 15 people at a Jewish event in the city.
The father-and-son attackers are alleged to have carried out the shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on the famous Bondi Beach on December 14. Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades shocked the nation and raised fears of rising antisemitism.
The massacre has prompted heightened policing in Sydney, Australia’s largest city and the capital of New South Wales.
On Saturday, authorities announced a “high-visibility” police presence for the marquee cricket series between Australia and England, held every two years. Security measures at the cricket ground, approximately 5 km from Bondi Beach, will include the riot patrol unit, mounted officers and personnel carrying rifles.
“The difference will be in the visibility of long arms and a stronger presence,” said New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon.
Police expect a full crowd for the opening day of the final match in the five-Test series, already won by Australia.
“Many people may not be accustomed to seeing officers carrying rifles at sporting events, but our objective is to help the public feel safe,” Lanyon added.
Cricket Australia said first responders to the attack and “community members who bravely acted” would be honoured before play begins on Sunday.
There will be a guard of honour on the field and a round of applause for “emergency response agencies and members of the community in the face of extreme danger,” the governing body said.
On Wednesday, around 3,000 police officers, some carrying long arms, were deployed in the city during New Year celebrations, which usually attract over a million revellers.
Several New Year events at Bondi were cancelled, while traditional Christmas celebrations were subdued following the attack, which authorities believe was inspired by the Sunni militant group Islamic State.
