Crowd roars in standing ovation for Bondi hero Ahmed al-Ahmed at sold-out Ashes test in Sydney | Bondi beach terror attack

Just before the start of the final test of the Ashes series, the sold-out SCG crowd roared as Ahmed al-Ahmed walked onto the pitch with his arm in a sling and his hand over his heart.

The Syrian-born father-of-two helped disarm one of two gunmen during the Bondi terror attack and on Sunday attended a tribute to the victims and those who risked their lives by joining them.

Al-Ahmed was joined by 14-year-old Chaya Dadon, who was shot in the leg while protecting two young children from gunfire on the night of December 14. He arrived at the SCG on crutches.

The emotion was clearly visible on the duo’s faces as Australian and English cricket fans rose to their feet in front of them.

As a group of first responders took the field, the names of the 15 people killed in the attack were etched into the stadium’s screens with the words “forever in our hearts.” These include intensive care medics, Crown Prince Alfred and St. There were doctors from St. Vincent hospitals, lifeguards and local police; many of them were helping out while off duty.

Australian players Alex Carey and Cameron Green applauded al-Ahmed and Dadon as they walked.

“Thank you everyone, thank you for sharing our gratitude for the incredible service provided by these individuals and so many others,” the ground announcer said as applause was heard throughout the stadium.

“We thank you all for your care for our community in response to this tragedy. Thank you.”

After both anthems, al-Ahmed, Dadon and first responders were welcomed by New South Wales sports minister Steve Kamper and Cricket Australia boss Todd Greenberg.

Retired batsman Usman Khawaja led the Australian team in shaking hands with the response teams.

First responders attending the SCG memorial

• Brett Simpson, critical care paramedic, NSW Ambulance

• Andrew Bibby, critical care paramedic, NSW Ambulance

• Cole Shanahan, detective sergeant, NSW Police

• Paul Drinias, senior constable, NSW Police

• Dr Matthew Oliver, Co-Director of Trauma, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

• Dr Rachael Wilkes, emergency registrar, St Vincent’s hospital

• Leah Trend, lifeguard, Bondi Surf Life Saving Club

• Scott Gibbons, lifeguard, North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club

• Daniel McLaughlin, coordinator, Waverley lifeguards

• Jackson Doolan, lifeguard, Waverley lifeguards

• Naomi Or, registered nurse

• Vladimir Kotlyar, deputy unit commander (rescue) and chaplain, SES

• Chaya Dadon

• Ahmed al-Ahmed