The cricketing fraternity is in deep mourning following the tragic death of 17-year-old Australian cricketer Ben Austin. He succumbed to fatal injuries sustained during a training session in Melbourne, an incident that has sent shockwaves across the sport.
Shikhar Dhawan and Ben Austin
Austin was struck in the neck while practicing in the nets at Ferntree Gully, just before a local T20 match. Despite immediate medical attention and being placed on life support, he tragically passed away on Thursday.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan expressed his profound sorrow on social media, writing: “No words can ease the pain of losing someone so young. Ben Austin was only 17, with dreams yet to take flight. Thinking of his loved ones and the entire cricket family in this difficult time. Rest in peace, Ben.”
Dhawan’s heartfelt message resonated widely, drawing condolences and tributes from players and fans across both India and Australia.
This heartbreaking incident has painfully brought back memories of Phillip Hughes, who died in 2014 from a similar injury. It has also intensified the ongoing debate about the crucial need for improved safety measures in cricket, particularly advocating for the mandatory use of neck and stem guards, especially at the grassroots level.
In a widespread display of grief and solidarity, Australian cricket clubs and fans participated in the “Bats Out for Benny” campaign, placing bats outside their homes and clubhouses. The nets at Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, where Austin trained, were adorned with flowers, bats, and jerseys as a tribute.
Teams also honored Austin’s memory; the WACA team wore black armbands during their Sheffield Shield match, and both the Australian and Indian women’s teams sported armbands during their World Cup semifinal. A powerful minute of silence was observed before the India-Australia T20I at the MCG, where a packed crowd of 100,000 stood united in grief for a young cricketer whose promising life was cut tragically short.