Security increased for India Test after Sydney siege

Security increased for India Test after Sydney siege

BRISBANE (AUSTRALIA) - Security has been beefed up with more police drafted in for this week's second Australia-India cricket Test in Brisbane after a lone gunman laid siege to a Sydney cafe, officials said Tuesday.

India's Murali Vijay (R) ducks a bouncer by Australia's Ryan Harris during the final day of the first cricket test match between Australia and India at the Adelaide Oval on December 13, 2014

Queensland state Premier Campbell Newman said while there was no specific threat, his government wanted to reassure fans and make them feel safe.

"We are concerned about these sorts of actions occurring as we have (been) for many months," Newman told reporters.

"We will have all available officers out there at public venues such as the Test at the Gabba and around the streets and the suburbs of the cities and towns of Queensland."

Two hostages and the extremist Iranian-born gunman who had held them captive were killed as heavily armed police stormed a central Sydney cafe Tuesday ending a 16-hour stand off, in an incident that has shocked the nation.

The Australian team said their thoughts were with the victims and their families.

"I would like to on behalf of the Australian team say our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in the tragic incident in Sydney last night," stand-in captain Steve Smith said.

"It was shocking and we're all thinking of everyone involved."

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