A tragic incident has occurred in Australia where a 17-year-old cricketer, Ben Austin, has sadly passed away after being struck in the neck by a ball during a practice session at Ferntree Gully Cricket Club in Melbourne. Despite wearing a helmet while batting in the nets, Austin was critically injured and despite being rushed to the hospital, he did not survive.
The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club shared the heartbreaking news of Ben’s passing on social media, expressing their deep sorrow and extending condolences to his family, friends, and the cricket community. Ben’s father, Jace, also released a statement honoring his son as a beloved family member and a passionate cricketer who found joy in playing the sport.
Additionally, the family of Phillip Hughes, an Australian Test star who tragically lost his life in a similar incident in 2014, conveyed their sympathy to the Austin family and the cricket community. Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen and Cricket Victoria chief executive Nick Cummins also expressed their condolences, highlighting the impact of Ben’s untimely death on the cricketing community.