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

A sold-out SCG crowd roared as Ahmed al-Ahmed, his arm in sling and his hand on his heart, walked onto the pitch just before play began of 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 on Sunday took part in the tributes made to the victims and those who risked their lives attending them.

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

The emotion on the duo’s faces was clear as Australian and English cricket fans stood on their feet before them.

The names of the attack’s 15 victims were emblazoned on the stadium’s screens under the words “forever in our hearts” as a group of first responders led the procession onto the pitch. Among them were intensive care paramedics, doctors from the Royal Prince Alfred and St Vincent’s hospitals, lifesavers and local police, several of whom assisted while off-duty.

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

“Thank you everybody, thank you for sharing our gratitude for the incredible service that these individuals and many others provided,” the ground announcer said as applause rang out around the stadium.

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

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

Retiring batter Usman Khawaja led the way as the Australian team shook hands with the responders.

First responders who attended 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, 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, unit deputy commander (rescue) and chaplain, SES

• Chaya Dadon

• Ahmed al-Ahmed