Australia, South Africa pay tribute to slain Queensland police officers in Brisbane

The ongoing first Test match of the series between hosts Australia and South Africa at the Gabba saw both sets of players don black armbands. The armbands were worn by the players to pay tribute to the two Queensland police officers and a local resident who were slain in a shooting incident earlier this week.

The Australian continent was rocked after a horrific shooting incident took place at a rural property in Wieambilla, about three hours west of Brisbane on Monday. Queensland police constables Matthew Arnold, 26, and Rachel McCrow, 29, lost their lives in the incident along with a local named Alan Dare.

A minute's silence was observed before the start of play in honor of the victims and was followed by an emotional period of applause from the spectators at the venue. Presenter James Sherry extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of Queensland and Australia cricket in front of a sold-out crowd in Brisbane. Australian cricketers David Warner and Steve Smith consoled the visibly distraught police officers present at the venue after an emotional tribute to their departed colleagues.

“Earlier this week our nation was shocked and saddened by the tragic events that occurred in Queensland’s Western Downs. Cricket Australia and Queensland Cricket extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends, the colleagues, and all of those grieving the tragic deaths of Queensland Police constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow and Mr Alan Dare of the Wieambilla community,” James Sherry said in the pre-match presentation.

Coming to the match, the home side made a rollicking start in the morning session, blowing away the Protean top order and restricting them to 27-4 after just ten overs. Although Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne fought back for the visitors, they were eventually bundled out for a paltry score of 152 runs. While Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland did the damage with the new ball, Nathan Lyon and the returning skipper Pat Cummins made quick work of the South African tail.