Usman Khawaja, the veteran Australian cricketer, has announced his retirement from international cricket, with his final appearance set for the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney. This announcement coincides with a national day of reflection following the tragic Bondi terror attack, which has sparked calls from business leaders and public figures for a royal commission into antisemitism and radicalism.

Khawaja's Retirement Announcement
The 39-year-old batsman confirmed that the upcoming Test match will mark the end of his international career. Over his tenure, Khawaja has played 87 Tests, accumulating 6,206 runs. His retirement comes after a summer of speculation regarding his future in Test cricket, particularly after he celebrated his 39th birthday last month.

Calls for Royal Commission
In light of the December 14 Bondi beach terrorist attack, which targeted a Hanukah celebration and resulted in multiple fatalities, over 120 prominent Australian figures, including former Reserve Bank governors and business magnates, have signed an open letter advocating for a royal commission. The letter emphasizes the need to investigate the factors contributing to antisemitism and radicalism in Australia.

Prime Minister's Stance
Despite the growing demand for a royal commission, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has firmly opposed the idea. At a recent press conference, he highlighted the absence of royal commissions following previous major attacks, such as the Port Arthur massacre and the Lindt café siege. Albanese expressed his desire to avoid a prolonged inquiry and acknowledged the weight of responsibility he feels in the aftermath of the Bondi attack.

National Day of Reflection
Thousands gathered at Bondi beach to pay tribute to the victims of the attack during a national day of reflection. The memorial service saw attendees laying flowers and sharing messages of solidarity. The event was marked by a sense of defiance as community members vowed to remain resilient in the face of such violence.

Rare Pink Platypus Sighting
In a lighter news story, a rare pink platypus has been spotted in Gippsland, sparking interest among wildlife enthusiasts. Cody Stylianou filmed the unusual animal during a fishing trip, dubbing it "Pinky." Biologist Jeff Williams confirmed that while the coloration is rare, it is not an albino but rather a lighter variant of the species. This sighting adds to the rich biodiversity of Australia's unique wildlife.

Wrap-up
As Australia grapples with the implications of the Bondi attack and reflects on its societal issues, Khawaja's retirement marks the end of an era in cricket. The calls for a royal commission highlight ongoing concerns about antisemitism, while the community's response to the tragedy showcases resilience and unity.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team