Former England captain Michael Vaughan has spoken about the terrifying experience of hearing gunshots during the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday, describing the events as “surreal” and “terrifying.”

Vaughan, who is in Australia to commentate on the Ashes, was just a few hundred yards from the beach and found himself locked inside a restaurant for several hours with his wife, two daughters, sister-in-law, and a family friend.

“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,” Vaughan told BBC Radio 5 Live.

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Vaughan’s Close Encounter

The 51-year-old had been in Coogee, watching his son play cricket, when he heard what he initially thought were fireworks coming from Bondi Beach. A nearby bouncer quickly ushered him and his family inside as gunfire erupted.

Authorities have since confirmed that the attack, which targeted a Hanukkah celebration, has claimed at least 15 civilian lives, including a child. Police have identified two alleged shooters, a father and son, with the older man killed at the scene and the younger man in critical condition at a hospital.

Vaughan, writing for The Telegraph, reflected on the unnerving proximity of the attack:

“Like most people, I have been at home watching terrorist attacks unfold in London, or Manchester. That all feels very close to home, and is scary. But to be so close that you can hear it happening is terrifying.”

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Impact on the Ashes and Cricket Community

Despite the traumatic events, Vaughan confirmed that the third Ashes Test in Adelaide will go ahead as planned on Wednesday (Tuesday 23:30 GMT). He stressed that while the match will be a sombre occasion, it is important that life and sport continue in the face of terror.

“There’ll be a sombre scene for quite a time in the Test match, but you can’t allow two people to say to all of us that everything has to stop. They want us to do nothing, but we have to get on with our lives,” Vaughan said.

Cricket Australia has announced tributes before the third Test, including a moment of silence and black armbands for both teams. The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued a statement expressing solidarity with victims and the Jewish community.

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Reactions from Players and Officials

• Harry Brook, England vice-captain, described the attack as a “horrendous day” and emphasized the team’s support for victims.
• Nathan Lyon, Australian spinner, expressed sorrow and solidarity with those affected, highlighting the impact even on players not present at Bondi.
• South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas confirmed additional security measures at Adelaide Oval, describing them as precautionary while maintaining vigilance during the ongoing series.

Vaughan also praised the response from authorities, restaurant staff, and bystanders, describing it as “incredible” and noting the professionalism and calm displayed during the crisis.

“I look at Bondi and Sydney – it’s like my second home. Australia is an amazing country and one of the safest places in the world. But what happened yesterday was terrifying,” Vaughan said.