A heartbreaking tragedy has struck Australian cricket after 17-year-old cricketer Ben Austin died following a training accident at Ferntree Gully, a suburb of Melbourne.
Austin was reportedly batting in the nets on Tuesday when he was struck on the neck by a cricket ball, collapsing immediately in front of teammates. Witnesses and club staff provided immediate medical assistance before paramedics arrived and rushed him to the hospital, where he remained in critical condition. He succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.
The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club confirmed his passing in an emotional statement:
“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, his friends, and everyone who knew Ben and the joy that he brought.”
Ringwood and District Cricket Association President Michael Finn said Austin was warming up when the ball struck him, describing it as a “shocking and deeply distressing event.”
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 comfort knowing he was doing what he loved most – going down to the nets with his mates to play cricket. We also want to support the teammate who was bowling at the time, as this accident has deeply affected both young men.”
According to Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins, Austin had been wearing a helmet when the ball hit him in the neck — in a similar manner to the fatal incident that claimed the life of Australian international Phillip Hughes in 2014.
Hughes’ death led to major safety reforms in cricket, including stricter helmet standards and improved neck protection. The tragedy has reignited conversations around safety measures in community and junior-level cricket.
Local cricket clubs and the wider Australian sporting community have expressed condolences and offered support to the Austin family.
