Melbourne, Australia – The Australian cricket community is in mourning following the death of 17-year-old Ben Austin, who tragically died after being struck in the neck by a cricket ball during a training session. The incident occurred on Tuesday at Ferntree Gully Cricket Club in suburban Melbourne.
Austin was reportedly batting in the nets, wearing a helmet but no neck guard, when he was hit by a ball. Some reports indicate the ball was delivered from a hand-held device known as a "wanger". He collapsed immediately after being struck.
Emergency services were called to the scene at Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully at approximately 4:45 pm. Paramedics provided advanced life support and transported Austin to Monash Medical Centre in critical condition. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he was placed on life support and passed away on Thursday.
The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club released a statement expressing their devastation at Austin's passing. "We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community," the club stated. They extended their thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and all who knew him. The club has also requested privacy for the family during this difficult time.
Tributes have poured in from friends, teammates, and local clubs, reflecting the profound impact Austin had on those around him. He was a dedicated player for Ferntree Gully Cricket Club and had also represented Mulgrave and Eildon Park cricket clubs. He also played junior football for Waverley Park Hawks.
Cricket Australia released a statement from Ben's father, Jace Austin, on behalf of the family. "This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we find some comfort that he was doing something he did for so many summers – going down to the nets with mates to play cricket," the statement read. "He loved cricket and it was one of the joys of his life". The family also expressed support for Austin's teammate who was bowling in the nets, acknowledging the accident's impact on both young men and their families.
Ringwood and District Cricket Association president Michael Finn said that Austin was warming up in the nets before a T20 match when the injury occurred in front of his teammates. He confirmed that medical assistance was provided at the ground until paramedics arrived.
The tragedy has drawn comparisons to the death of Australian Test batter Phillip Hughes, who died in 2014 after being struck in the neck by a ball during a Sheffield Shield game. Hughes' death led to increased safety measures in cricket. Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins noted the similarities between the two incidents, highlighting that Austin was wearing a helmet when he was struck.
Victorian Education Minister Ben Carroll said that grief support is being offered to students at Rowville Secondary College, where Austin was a student. "We will wrap our arms around them and give them every support they need," he said.
The Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association also expressed their deep sorrow and shock at Austin's death, describing him as a talented and popular member of the local cricket community. Association president Arnie Walters called his passing "an enormous loss to our local community".
