Melbourne is in mourning after a promising 17-year-old cricketer tragically died following a freak accident during a practice session. Ben Austin, a talented young athlete, was struck by a ball, leaving his local sporting community heartbroken.
The devastating incident occurred on a Tuesday afternoon at Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully. Austin was reportedly using an automatic bowling machine in the nets, wearing a helmet, when he was hit in the head and neck area.
Paramedics quickly responded to the scene, and Austin was rushed to Monash Medical Centre in critical condition. Despite receiving the best medical care, he succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.
The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, where Ben was a cherished player, released a statement on Thursday morning, expressing their profound grief. They shared, ‘We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family – Jace, Tracey, Cooper, and Zach – his extended family, friends, and all who knew Ben and the joy that he brought.’
Known for his talent and leadership, Ben was described by his club as a ‘star cricketer, great leader, and an awesome young man.’ Beyond cricket, he also played junior football for the Waverley Park Hawks and represented Mulgrave and Eildon Park cricket clubs.
Arnie Walters, president of the Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association, lauded Austin as ‘both talented and popular,’ assuring that the association would provide comprehensive support to its clubs and the wider cricket family. Victorian Education Minister Ben Carroll also confirmed that grief counseling is being provided to students at Rowville Secondary College, where Ben was a student. Carroll stated, ‘We will wrap our arms around them and give them every support they need. This is a tragedy that will last many years for that local community.’
This heartbreaking event has drawn somber comparisons to the 2014 tragedy involving Australian Test batter Phillip Hughes, who also died after being struck in the neck during a Sheffield Shield game. Hughes’s death led to significant safety reforms across the sport.
While such fatalities are exceedingly rare, Ben Austin’s passing serves as a poignant reminder to the cricketing world about the inherent risks involved, even during routine training sessions.