During their Women’s World Cup semifinal match on Thursday, both the Indian and Australian cricket teams observed a moment of solemn remembrance, sporting black armbands in a poignant tribute to teenage cricketer Ben Austin. Austin tragically passed away after being struck by a ball during a training session.
The unfortunate incident occurred on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, when 17-year-old Austin was batting in the nets at the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club in suburban Melbourne. He was hit in the neck by a ball delivered from a side-arm, despite wearing a helmet, which unfortunately lacked a neck guard.
Witnessed by his teammates, Austin was practicing against fast bowlers in preparation for an upcoming T20 match when he sustained the fatal blow. Following the accident, he was placed on a ventilator but sadly succumbed to his injuries, a tragedy that evoked somber memories of Australian cricketer Phil Hughes’ death in 2014.
Ferntree Gully Cricket Club officially confirmed Austin’s passing on Thursday.