When stumps is called on the last day of the Ashes series finale, it's likely the loudest cheer will have been for a small group of people on neither team.
The sold-out crowd's voice rose as Ahmed Al Ahmed, his arm in sling and his hand on his heart, strode onto the pitch just before play began on day one at the SCG.
The Syrian-born father of two helped disarm one of two gunmen during the Bondi terror attack, featuring on Sunday as part of tributes to the massacre's victims and those who risked their lives attending them.
Ahmed was joined on the pitch by Chaya Dadon, shot in the leg as she shielded two young children from gunfire on the night of December 14. She arrived at the SCG on crutches.
The emotion on the duo's faces was clear as a heaving crowd stood on its feet before them.
The names of the attack's 15 victims were emblazoned on the stadium's screens under the words "forever in our hearts", as a group of first responders led the procession onto the pitch.
Among them were intensive care paramedics, doctors from Royal Prince Alfred and St Vincent's hospitals, lifesavers and local police, several of whom assisted while off duty.
Star Australian players Alex Carey and Cameron Green applauded Ahmed and Dadon as they walked by, clearly aware Sunday's biggest heroes weren't those in cricket whites.
"Thank you everybody, thank you for sharing our gratitude for the incredible service that these individuals and many others provided," the ground announcer said as applause rang out around the stadium.
"We thank you all for your continued care for our community in response to this tragedy. Thank you."
After both anthems, Ahmed, Dadon and the first responders were greeted by NSW Sports minister Steve Kamper and Cricket Australia boss Todd Greenberg.
Retiring batter Usman Khawaja led the way as the Australian team shook hands with the responders.
So long an advocate for the marginalised, Khawaja embracing Ahmed is an image poised to endure long after the fifth and final Test match of the series.
As this home Test summer draws to a close, the scars of the Bondi attack will no doubt linger, but so too the gratitude of a city shaken to its foundations.
FIRST RESPONDERS ATTENDING THE SCG TRIBUTE
Brett Simpson, intensive care paramedic, NSW Ambulance
Andrew Bibby, intensive care paramedic, NSW Ambulance
Cole Shanahan, Detective Sergeant, NSW Police
Paul Drinias, Senior Constable, NSW Police
Dr Matthew Oliver, co-director of trauma, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Dr Rachael Wilkes, emergency registrar, St Vincent's Hospital
Leah Trend, lifeguard, Bondi Surf Life Saving Club
Scott Gibbons, lifeguard, North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club
Daniel McLaughlin, coordinator, Waverley Lifeguards
Jackson Doolan, lifeguard, Waverley Lifeguards
Naomi Or, registered nurse
Vladimir Kotlyar, unit deputy commander (rescue) and chaplain, SES
Chaya Dadon
Ahmed al-Ahmed
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