Nathan Lyon says the sad occasion “hit everyone pretty hard” after Australia and South Africa Test cricketers paid tribute to the two Queensland police officers and a local resident who were shot dead in a horrific attack in rural Queensland.
The two sides wore black armbands and a minute’s silence was observed before the first Test at the Gabba on Saturday in tribute to constables Matthew Arnold, 26, and Rachel McCrow, 29, along with local man Alan Dare.
The trio were gunned down at a rural property in Wieambilla, about three hours west of Brisbane, on Monday.
Queensland Police members were on hand at the tribute to their late colleagues – which was broadcast around the globe – and there were tears of grief over the loss of loved and valued members of the community.
Australian players David Warner and Steve Smith were seen comforting Queensland police officer Matt Herbert.
Speaking after the day’s play, spinner Lyon said the tragedy put playing professional sport in perspective.
“I wasn’t aware that the police were coming out for that but I’m bloody grateful that they did and were able to see the support of not us cricketers, but the Australian public and everyone. I thought it was absolutely fantastic,” he said.
“Words can’t describe what they’re going through and it puts what we do in a pretty small basket.”
After the tribute, the players had to find a way to focus on their own roles, and it wasn’t easy.
“I know we all had a little moment there and we all said how tough that was, but come the cricket (starting) we’ve got to do our job,” Lyon said.
Presenter James Sherry addressed the sell-out crowd before the game commenced, saying: “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.”
The crowd burst into a round of applause in tribute to the fallen trio before observing the minute’s silence.
