Australia v South Africa: Nathan Lyon sheds light on harrowing Gabba police image

Nathan Lyon has revealed how he almost broke ranks at the minute’s silence to comfort an inconsolable police constable following the recent tragic ambush in Queensland.

Nathan Lyon has revealed how he almost broke ranks at the minute’s silence to comfort an inconsolable police constable at the Gabba.

The harrowing image of distraught young officer Matthew Herbert shedding tears for his fallen comrades Constable Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold before play, left a visible impact on Australian players standing just metres away.

There may have been a near sell-out crowd on day one of the first Test, but you could have heard a pin drop as the victims of the Wiembilla shooting tragedy were honoured in a moving ceremony.

Australian players then lined up to shake hands and embrace Constable Herbert and his fellow police officers, in an emotion-charged moment which reflected the sentiment of the crowd who rose for a rousing round of applause.

“It was massive to be honest with you. I actually said to Mitch Starc before, I said, ‘I don’t know whether I should go out and put my arm around him,’” Lyon said.

A young constable during the minute’s silence. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty

An officer at the Gabba. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty

“I don’t know what the protocols are or anything like that. It hit everyone pretty hard.

“I wasn’t aware the police were coming out.

“But I’m bloody grateful that they did and they were able to see the support of, not us cricketers, but the Australian public and everyone.

“I thought it was absolutely fantastic and words can’t describe what they’re going through.

“It puts what we do in a pretty small basket if you’re asking me.

“I’m speechless by that question to be honest. I don’t know how to answer it and I’ll never do the two cops justice or the other gentleman who passed away as well.

“To go and say thank you to the police force after, I think that was a really nice moment. I know we all had a little moment there and we all said how tough that was.”

Steve Smith and the Australian team members pay their respects. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty

The tears streamed down the face of Constable Herbert as he stood stoically with fellow Constables Bree Trost and Freddy Hartigan, Senior Constables Jake Buchholz and Melissa Gibson as well as Commissioner Katarina Carroll and Inspector Wayne Clayton, who also struggled to hold in their emotions.

Constable Herbert is from the Mount Omnaney Division, in the Brisbane Region and was a close associate of Constables McCrow and Arnold as were some of the other officers present.

It was a confronting way to begin a Test match, but an appreciation that playing cricket for your country pales in comparison to those who serve.