Steve Smith shocked by London terror attack
Australia are continuing their Champions Trophy preparations in London despite Saturday's terror attack in the UK capital. Photo: Getty
Australia cricket captain Steve Smith has spoken of his shock and sadness over the London terror attack.
Smith’s side are in the UK capital preparing for Monday’s Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh at The Oval where they trained on Sunday morning.
None of the 15-man squad or staff were caught up in the incidents on London Bridge and nearby Borough Market where seven people died and 48 were injured after three men launched a van and knife attack.
Smith said there was a sense of shock and initial fear from the squad but they would be staying in the UK until their tournament concluded, following a briefing by security staff.
“Like the rest of the world, the Australian cricket team is shocked and saddened by the events that occurred in London overnight,” Smith said.
“Our thoughts are with everyone that was involved and their loved ones as well,” he said after training.
“We’ve been briefed by our security team and they are comfortable with where we are and that it’s just about being diligent with everything we do.”
Smith was at the team hotel in Kensington, in west London, when he heard the news and said there was immediate concern from the players that they contact family back in Australia.
“I was just reading my Twitter feed and I saw something pop up, so I immediately turned on to the BBC and saw the news,” he said.
“It’s obviously terrible and guys were obviously concerned and didn’t know what to do.
“Frank, our security guy, made sure we remained in the hotel and stayed safe.
“I think everyone was on the phone to let their loved ones back home know that everything was OK with our team.”
The team are heavily guarded at all the venues with London’s terror alert rated critical in the wake of the Manchester attack last month.
Armed guards patrol the floor at their hotel and each night players and staff are required to let security know where they go out and report back when they return.
“We’ve been advised to stay relatively close to the hotel and be diligent with whatever we do and be on the lookout and smart with whatever we do.”
-AAP