ENG vs AUS 3rd Test: England and Australia players to wear black armbands to pay tribute to Bondi shooting victims

Ben Stokes, Pat Cummins (Pic: File Pic)

Ahead of the third Test match of the Ashes series, England and Australian players will wear black armbands and the flags will be flown at half-staff to pay tribute to the victims of the Bondi beach shootings.

On Sunday night, two gunmen killed 15 people and injured several at the iconic beach in Sydney. Their aim was to target the people of Sydney's Jewish community, who were celebrating the start of Hannukah in what authorities said was an antisemitic act of terrorism.

Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board issued a joint statement saying: "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 third Test match of the Ashes series between England and Australia is scheduled to be played from December 17 at the Adelaide Oval.

Ahead of the clash, the Aussies have left out opening batsman Usman Khawaja as skipper Pat Cummins and spinner Nathan Lyon were named in the team. Khawaja had back spasms, following which he failed to open the innings in the first match. He was also ruled out of the second game in Brisbane.

Despite recovering from the injury, the selectors have decided to stick with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald at the top of the order. Veteran spinner Lyon is also back after being axed in preference for an all-pace attack at the Gabba, with Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser making way.

Ashes: Australia leads the series by 2-0

In the absence of Cummins, Steve Smith led the Australian pack. Currently, the hosts are leading the five-match Ashes Test series by 2-0 against the "Three Lions".

The Aussies will look to secure a win in the upcoming clash to seal the series, whereas the Englishmen will be eager to register their first win in order to keep the series alive.

Australia's playing XI for the third Test match of the Ashes series: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.

(With Inputs from Agencies)