Security increased for MCG test after terror arrests

Melbourne : Citing the terror attack in Berlin, security has been beefed up at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan. The Australian police have held seven people over a terror-related plot in the city.

Those charged were allegedly planning to attack Melbourne’s Flinders Street train station, nearby Federation Square and St. Paul’s Cathedral on Christmas Day.

Chief police commissioner Graham Ashton said while they are confident the terror plot had been contained, extra police will be deployed at major events.

Victoria Police and Cricket Australia were liaising over the appropriate security level.

“Our security team is in contact with the relevant authorities to ensure we have the appropriate level of security at the Boxing Day test and other cricket matches being held around the country,” Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said.

In a security-related move late in 2015, the MCG erected a new perimeter fence about 20 to 25 meters (65 to 80 feet) away from the stadium where spectators queue to pass through security before entering the ground.

Australia won the first Test against Pakistan by 39 runs at the Gabba in Brisbane. A third test in the series begins January 3 in Sydney.