A young cricketer, aged 17, tragically lost his life in Australia after being struck in the neck by a ball during a practice session. Ben Austin was practicing with his team at Ferntree Gully Cricket Club in Melbourne when the fatal incident occurred.
Austin, who was wearing a helmet while batting in the nets, was immediately attended to by emergency services and rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Despite efforts, he did not survive.
The teenager was placed on life support before succumbing on Thursday. The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club shared the heartbreaking news on social media, expressing deep sorrow at the loss of Ben and acknowledging the profound impact on the cricket community.
In a statement, Ben’s father, Jace, described his son as a beloved family member and a cricket enthusiast who found joy in playing the sport with friends. Jace also extended support to the bowler involved in the accident.
The family of Phillip Hughes, an Australian Test star who suffered a similar fate in 2014, expressed condolences to the Austin family, highlighting the bond through cricket and offering sympathy during this difficult time.
Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen conveyed his condolences online, expressing sadness at the tragic loss. Cricket Victoria chief executive Nick Cummins mourned the untimely death, emphasizing Ben’s talent, popularity among teammates, and the void created by his absence in the cricketing community.
The incident has deeply impacted those who knew Ben, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from various sources within the cricketing world.