A young cricketer, aged 17, tragically lost his life in Australia after being struck in the neck by a ball during a practice session. The incident occurred while Ben Austin was training with his team at Ferntree Gully Cricket Club in Melbourne. Austin, who was wearing a helmet while batting in the nets, was immediately attended to by emergency services and transported to the hospital in critical condition. Despite efforts to save him, he did not survive.
Following the heartbreaking event, Ferntree Gully Cricket Club shared the news of Ben’s passing on social media, expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to his family, friends, and the cricket community. Ben’s family, through his father Jace, also released a statement honoring their beloved son and highlighting his passion for cricket, which had brought him immense joy.
The tragic accident drew parallels to a similar incident involving Australian Test star Phillip Hughes in 2014, prompting his family to convey heartfelt condolences to the Austin family and the cricket community. Messages of sympathy poured in from various figures in the cricketing world, including former England star Kevin Pietersen and Cricket Victoria chief executive Nick Cummins, who mourned the loss of a talented and well-liked young player.
The passing of Ben Austin has deeply affected the cricketing community in Victoria and beyond, leaving a profound sense of loss for a promising player whose life was cut short while pursuing his passion for the sport.
