By Josh Alston For Daily Mail Australia
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Police officers choked back tears as the Australian Test cricket side paid tribute to slain Queensland Police constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow before the first Test against South Africa.
A contingent of Queensland Police Service representatives including Commissioner Katarina Carroll APM and Acting Inspector Wayne Clayton were invited onto the field at the Gabba in Brisbane for the tribute.
Many of the officers fought back tears as Cricket Australia MC James Sherry read the tribute to the offers slain in a hail of gunfire after responding to a missing person report at a property at Wieambilla in Queensland’s Western Downs this week.
Queensland Police Officers fight back tears as they pay their respects to Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, and Constable Rachel McCrow, 29
Steve Smith of Australia consoles a Queensland Police Service representative while David Warner embraces another during the tribute
Players including Steve Smith, David Warner and Usman Khawaja took the time to console the officers overwhelmed by the tragic deaths of their colleagues.
Neighbour Alan Dare, who was also shot dead trying to help put out a bushfire started intentionally by the murderers, was also honoured.
‘Earlier this week our nation was shocked and saddened by the tragic events that occured in Queensland’s western downs,’ Sherry said.
‘Cricket Australia and Queensland Cricket extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, the 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.
Officers, cricket players and the crowd in attendance mark a minute silence to pay respect to the fallen constables and neighbour Alan Dare
Usman Khawaja shares a handshake and a word with a young constable battling with the emotion of the tribute
Wonderful tribute this morning to the members of the Queensland Police who were killed in the line of duty this week, at the start of the Brisbane test. And, worthy recognition of the daily #service & #sacrifice of all #police. @QldPolice @7Cricket pic.twitter.com/kb5PfTO9IM
‘Today we’re joined by members from the Queensland Police Service … these members stand together today to pay tribute to their colleagues and the community they serve.
‘Members, as you can see, we are extremely grateful to those that are currently serving, extremely grateful to all those past and presently serving in the Queensland Police Service and across the country who bravely put their lives at risk to protect our families in the line of duty.
Tears flowed as police and the cricketing public paid tribute to the tragic loss of life that occurred in the Western Downs of Queensland
Both the Australian and South African players stood arm-in-arm during the tribute with cricket juniors also joining the tribute
Yuggara Elder Aunty Deborah Sandy also honoured the fallen officers and Mr Dare in her Welcome to Country.
‘To the familes and the families of the courageous neighbour who lost his life, our hearts sincere condolences from the Yuggara people of the great South East,’ she said,
‘To all those who serve and to the family members.’
The Queensland Police Service has been rocked by the tragedy that also saw two other officers escape with their lives
Commissioner Katarina Carroll APM (right) pays her respects during the tribute with young QPS constables
The respectful crowd gave the attending Queensland Police Service representatives a long round of applause and also marked a minute silence with the cricket players.
Fans also honoured the constables and Mr Dare on social media.
‘Watching the start of the cricket and seeing the Queensland Police Officers cry at the tribute to their fallen brother and sister is just about the most touching thing I’ve seen. Love and strength to @QldPolice,’ 2GB host Luke Grant posted.
‘The GABBA paying respect to the Queensland police officers who recently lost their lives in the line of duty. Respect,’ ex-NRL star Ashton Sims tweeted.
‘Moving opening to Test match morning as tribute is paid to Queensland police officers who were killed last week and an indigenous leader welcomes players and fans,’ South Africa ESPN correspondent Firdose Moonda added.
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