Australian Teen Cricketer Ben Austin Dies After Being Struck by Ball During Practice

The cricket world is mourning the tragic loss of a promising young player, 17-year-old Ben Austin, who died after being struck on the head and neck by a ball during net practice in Melbourne. The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 28, as Ben was training ahead of a T20 match, using an automatic bowling machine while wearing a helmet.

Emergency services responded swiftly and Ben was taken to Monash Medical Centre in critical condition. Despite extensive efforts by medical professionals, he passed away on Wednesday, October 29. The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, where Ben played, released a heartfelt statement expressing its devastation and extending condolences to Ben’s family, teammates, and friends. Tributes have poured in, with fellow players, clubs, and fans laying flowers, cricket bats, and memorabilia at the club in his honor.​

Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria have both acknowledged the profound impact of Ben’s passing on the local and national cricket community, planning to honor him during upcoming matches. Ben’s family expressed their heartbreak, reflecting that he was doing what he loved—playing cricket with friends—at the time of the incident.

The tragedy echoes past incidents in cricket, serving as a somber reminder of the risks involved even in sport’s training environments. The entire cricket fraternity stands in solidarity with Ben’s family and requests privacy in this difficult time.​