The buzz surrounding around the Boxing Day Ashes Test is pretty much deafening. Even though Australia have taken an unassailable 3-0 lead with 2 Tests still to be played, but the ardent Aussie cricket fans are animated to see the hosts completing the 5-0 whitewash against the old enemy.

However, amidst all the excitement security measures have been stepped up in Melbourne after a horrific incident in which a 32-year-old man has been charged with 18 counts of attempted murder. Reports suggest that a car was driven at pedestrians outside one of Melbourne’s major transport hubs which resulted in several casualties.

Meanwhile, the ECB released a statement saying that all the players including the team management were safe and that extra precautions would be taken to ensure players’ safety.

“People across Victoria will already have noticed an increased police presence and that will continue to grow in coming days all the way through to New Year’s Eve fireworks and the other important festivities,” Victoria premier Daniel Andrews told Sky News.

“There will be more Victoria Police at things like the Big Bash, the soccer on at AAMI, the Boxing Day Test, Carols by Candlelight, all the way through to New Year’s Eve next week,” he further added.

On the other hand, Cricket Australia’s chief executive James Sutherland has ensured that there is nothing to be worried about and he is confident of a wonderful match at the iconic MCG.

“CA has great confidence in where we’re at and we share that with the MCC who are the ground managers and we look forward to a fantastic event,” Sutherland said while addressing the media.

The tradition Boxing Day Ashes Test will start on December 26 at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) while Sydney will host the fifth and final Test from January 4.