England Ashes squad told to be vigilant after attack in Melbourne

England players have been urged to take extra care in the lead-up to the Boxing Day Test after Thursday’s attack in Melbourne city centre.

Saeed Noori, a 32-year-old Australian citizen, allegedly drove a car into a crowd on Flinders Street, one of Melbourne’s busiest zones, leaving 19 people injured. Melbourne police will step up security for the Fourth Ashes Test.

All England players and staff were reported safe about two hours after the attack but they have been instructed by the ECB’s security team, led by Reg Dickason, to be extra vigilant when out and about in the city. The players resume practice on Saturday after they were granted time off in the wake of defeat at Perth this week, which ensured the Ashes would return to Australia.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland is due to hold a press conference on Saturday alongside Stephen Leane, the assistant commissioner for Victoria state police, to discuss the safety and security measures in place for the Test. A year ago, Cricket Australia had to reassure spectators and players ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan after police thwarted a plot to attack prominent sites in Melbourne on Christmas Day.

“There will be extra police numbers right across the city, as there always are at this time of year, but there will be an additional saturation of numbers due to this isolated incident,” said Arron Wood, Melbourne’s acting lord mayor. “We want the people of Melbourne to know that it is safe.”

England spinner Mason Crane added: “Everyone checked in pretty soon afterwards. It was terrible and our thoughts are with those affected.”

Meanwhile, Steve Smith has warned England’s struggling tailenders there will be no let-up in the bouncer barrage, despite claims their tactics are dangerous. The Australia captain said: “No doubt, if England had the pace of our bowlers, they would probably do the same thing.”