Melbourne: A 17-year-old club cricketer, Ben Austin, has died after being struck on the neck by a ball during training at Ferntree Gully in Melbourne’s outer east on Tuesday. The tragic incident occurred while Ben was facing deliveries in the nets, thrown using a sidearm device known as a “wanger”, as part of preparations for an upcoming T20 match. Despite wearing a helmet at the time, it did not feature a stem guard, a protective attachment that shields the vulnerable area at the base of the neck.
Ben was immediately taken to Monash Children’s Hospital in critical condition, where he was placed on life support. However, he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday morning.
Family devastated by tragic loss
In a heartfelt statement, Jace Austin, Ben’s father, expressed the family’s grief: “We are utterly devastated by the passing of our beautiful Ben, who died earlier on Thursday morning. For Tracey and I, Ben was an adored son, deeply loved brother to Cooper and Zach, and a shining light in the lives of our family and friends.”
He added that Ben’s death came while he was doing what he loved most — playing cricket with his mates. “This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we find some comfort that he was doing something he did for so many summers — going down to the nets with mates to play cricket. He loved cricket and it was one of the joys of his life.”
Jace Austin also extended compassion towards Ben’s teammate who was bowling at the time of the incident, acknowledging the trauma the young player must now endure.
Cricket community mourns a promising young talent
Cricket Australia (CA) and Cricket Victoria (CV) have extended their support to Ben’s family and those affected. CA chair Mike Baird said the tragedy had deeply shaken the cricket community nationwide. “The tragic circumstances of Ben and Ferntree Gully are going to be felt across the country,” he told reporters in Melbourne. “Cricket is a sport that brings people together, and it also feels very deeply an incident such as this.”
Cricket Victoria chief executive Nick Cummins described the loss as “absolutely devastating”, adding that the entire cricket fraternity was united in grief. “We are doing everything we can to support not just the family of young Ben, but also those at the club,” Cummins said.
He drew parallels to the death of Phil Hughes, the Australian cricketer who died in 2014 after being struck on the neck by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match. Cummins said it was too soon to discuss changes to safety equipment regulations, including the possibility of mandatory stem guards, noting that the immediate focus was on providing counselling and support.
Tributes pour in at Ferntree Gully Cricket Club
In the hours following Ben’s passing, tributes were laid at Ferntree Gully Cricket Club — including flowers, cards, a drink bottle, and a cricket bat inscribed with messages such as “Rest easy Benny” and “Forever 14 not out”.
The club issued a statement expressing its devastation: “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, his friends and to all who knew Ben and the joy he brought.”
Ben was remembered as a star cricketer, a strong leader, and an outstanding young man. Earlier this year, he was honoured with an award for his dedication and attitude towards the game. He had recently celebrated his birthday earlier in October.
Arnie Walters, president of the Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association, said the tragedy had left the local cricketing community in shock. “I know how heavily this news will land across our community, and we will provide any and all support we can to our clubs and cricket family,” he said.
Support and remembrance
The Austin family extended their gratitude to emergency services, first responders, and the medical staff who fought to save Ben’s life. “We would like to thank the cricket community including Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, Mulgrave Cricket Club and Eildon Park Cricket Club for their support since Tuesday evening,” Jace Austin said.
A tribute to Ben is being discussed for Australia’s upcoming T20 match against India at the MCG on Friday night, where players and fans are expected to honour his memory.
As the cricket community mourns, Ben Austin’s name will be remembered as a symbol of passion, sportsmanship, and love for the game that united so many.