Name: Heightened security and police presence at Sydney Ashes Test
Uploaded: 2026-01-03T06:19:20.858Z
Duration: 1 min 14 s
Description: The final Ashes Test is set to begin in Sydney, but it will look a little different this year in the wake of the Bondi massacre. A heavy police presence, including officers armed with long rifles, will be in place to keep the crowd of 48,000 safe.

The final Ashes Test is set to begin in Sydney, but it will look a little different this year in the wake of the Bondi massacre. A heavy police presence, including officers armed with long rifles, will be in place to keep the crowd of 48,000 safe.

Council of the City of Sydney

The final Ashes test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground will proceed with increased security measures in response to the recent Bondi massacre. Police presence will be heightened, including officers with long-arm rifles and mounted patrols, to ensure the safety of the expected 48,000 attendees.

Fans will undergo thorough bag checks and wanding at entry points, and are advised to allow extra time for these security procedures. Before the match begins, an on-field tribute will honor the bravery of first responders and community members involved in the Bondi incident.

Heightened security and police presence at Sydney Ashes Test

The final Ashes test gets underway in Sydney tomorrow, but it'll look a little different this year in the wake of the Bondi massacre. Tallulah Thompson is live at the SCG. Tallulah, what can fans expect? A heavy police presence for one night, but not due to an active threat, rather to keep the capacity crowds around 48,000 people safe. Now, just like the Boxing Day test at the MCG or New Year's Eve celebrations here in Sydney, police will be carrying those long-arm rifles with mounted police also patrolling in this high-visibility operation we can expect to see over the next few days. But fans, now, they can expect thoroughbred checks and wanding before they even enter the grounds, and they are being urged to keep a little bit of extra time for those important security checks. But before the first ball is even bowled, there will be an on-field tribute tomorrow to honour the bravery of the first responders and other community heroes who helped out during the Bondi attack. It'll involve a guard of honour followed by a round of applause, a very fitting and respectful way to kick off the fifth and final Ashes Test match. Nat?

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