Crowd roars in standing ovation for Bondi hero Ahmed al-Ahmed during sold-out Ashes Test in Sydney

A sold-out SCG crowd roared as Ahmed al-Ahmed, with his arm in the sling and his hand on his heart, walked onto the field just before play started in the final Test of the Ashes series.

The Syrian-born father-of-two helped disarm one of two gunmen during the Bondi terror attack and took part in Sunday’s tributes to the victims and those who risked their lives to attend them.

Al-Ahmed was joined by 14-year-old Chaya Dadon, who was shot in the leg on the night of December 14 as she protected two young children from gunfire. She came to the SCG on crutches.

The emotion on the duo’s faces was evident as Australian and English cricket fans stood up for them.

The names of the 15 victims of the attack were displayed on the stadium’s screens under the words “forever in our hearts” as a group of first responders led the procession onto the field. They included intensive care paramedics, doctors from the Royal Prince Alfred and St Vincent’s hospitals, life savers and local police, some of whom assisted while off duty.

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

“Thank you everyone, thank you for sharing our gratitude for the incredible service these individuals and many others have provided,” the ground announcer said as applause rang through the stadium.

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

After both anthems, al-Ahmed, Dadon and the first responders were greeted by New South Wales Sports Minister Steve Kamper and Cricket Australia boss Todd Greenberg.

Eliminating batsman Usman Khawaja led the way as the Australian team shook hands with the responders.

First responders attending the SCG tribute

• Brett Simpson, Intensive Care Paramedic, NSW Ambulance

• Andrew Bibby, Intensive Care Paramedic, NSW Ambulance

• Cole Shanahan, Detective Sergeant, NSW Police

• Paul Drinias, Senior Constable, NSW Police

• Dr. Matthew Oliver, Associate Director of Trauma, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

• Dr. Rachael Wilkes, Emergency Department, 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 Commander of the Unit (Rescue) and Chaplain, SES

• Chaya Dadon

• Ahmed al-Ahmed