Australian cricket’s governing body said they are satisfied with security ahead of their Champions Trophy match with Bangladesh on Monday in light of the attack that left seven dead and dozens injured in London.
The Australians — who postponed a Test series in Bangladesh in 2015 because of a possible security risk — take on the Bangladeshis at The Oval cricket ground which is close to London Bridge, one of the two sites where the attacks took place.
The final of the prestigious One-Day International tournament is also due to be played at The Oval on June 18th.
Cricket Australia were among many sporting bodies and teams to offer their condolences to the victims of the three assailants who smashed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before attacking revellers in a popular nightlife hub with knives, in the third deadly terror attack in Britain since March.
“As with the rest of the world, the Australian team is shocked and saddened at the events that have occurred in London overnight and our thoughts are with those directly involved and their loved ones,” said a Cricket Australia spokesman in a statement.
“The team, support staff and travelling contingent have been accounted for. Our security team is working closely with the ICC and LOC (Local Organising Committee) to ensure the safety and security of our players and support staff is paramount.
“At this stage, we are comfortable with the level of security being provided to us and will continue to monitor the situation.”
Security concerns also meant Australia didn’t take part in the under-19 World Cup, which was successfully hosted by Bangladesh in early 2016.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) — the governing body of cricket in England and Wales — tweeted their condolences.
“Our thoughts go to all of those affected by last night’s shocking events in London along with our admiration for those supporting them,” they tweeted.
– ‘Our thoughts are with #London’ –
A plethora of London-based football clubs also tweeted their condolences with Premier League champions Chelsea differing from the traditional ‘our thoughts are with’ by simply stating ‘London (with the icon of a red heart)’.
Recently promoted second-tier side Millwall, who are based in south London not far from where the events took place, tweeted: “The thoughts of everyone at Millwall are with the people affected by last night’s heinous attack in London.”
The attacks drew a reaction from Spanish international footballer Sergio Ramos, who had just lifted the Champions League trophy after captaining Real Madrid to a 4-1 victory over Juventus.
“Our thoughts are with #London,” he tweeted.
There will be beefed up security in Manchester — which under a fortnight ago was subject to a suicide bombing at a pop concert that left 22 dead and dozens injured — later on Sunday for the testimonial for Manchester United’s veteran midfielder Michael Carrick.
The kick-off was brought forward by 90 minutes (1330GMT) to facilitate a concert — headlined by Ariana Grande whose show was the one subject to the bombing — in memory of the victims of the Manchester attack.
The victims and their families were also in the thoughts of the British and Irish Lions squad who are presently touring New Zealand for a three-Test series with the world champions.
“The guys have woken up to some news of some unfortunate events that happened in London,” said their captain Sam Warburton in a statement.
“I just wanted to wish those involved all the best wishes from the Lions players and management.
“Our thoughts are always with the people back home in Britain and Ireland. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the families and people involved in that incident.”
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