Former England captain Michael Vaughan has said that he was “deeply saddened” by Sunday’s terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi beach, which reportedly killed 15 civilians and a child. The 51-year-old, who was is in a restaurant a short distance away from where the incident took place, said that he considered Australia as his second home, adding that the country had always been one of the safest places for him to visit.
“Yesterday was a surreal day that I don’t really want to go through again. I’m deeply saddened by everything that has gone on. To be 300 yards away, in a pub locked away, scary times.”
“I look at Bondi and Sydney in particular – it’s like my second home. Australia is an amazing country, and it’s probably one of the countries in the whole world where I always say it’s the safest. It’s the safest place,” Vaughan told the BBC.
Being locked in a restaurant in Bondi was scary .. Now home safe .. but thanks so much to the emergency services and the guy who confronted the terrorist .. thoughts with all who have been affected .. xxx
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 14, 2025
The cricket boards of England and Australia released a joint statement, paying their tributes to those who lost their lives in the attacks on Sunday.
“Everybody at Cricket Australia and the England & Wales Cricket Board is horrified by the tragic events at Bondi Beach yesterday evening. All of our thoughts are with the victims, their friends and families, the Jewish community and the people of Australia at this deeply distressing time. Our condolences go out to all those affected. We stand with you,” the statement said.
Australian captain Pat Cummins wrote on Instagram that he was “devastated” by the Bondi attacks and urged everyone to donate blood if they could.
“Absolutely devastated by the horror last night in Bondi. My heart goes out to the victims, their families, the people of Bondi and our Jewish community during this time. If you can, please book an appointment to donate blood,” Cummins said.
Flags at the Adelaide Oval, the venue for the third Ashes Test starting on Wednesday, flew at half mast on Monday.
