WEB DESK: A deep sadness has swept through Melbourne’s sporting circles after 17-year-old Ben Austin died from injuries sustained during cricket practice earlier this week.
According to BBC, Ben was training in the nets at Ferntree Gully on Tuesday when a ball, launched by a handheld thrower, struck him in the neck. Though he was wearing a helmet, he had no neck guard. Paramedics rushed him to hospital in critical condition, where he was placed on life support. He passed away on Thursday, surrounded by family.
Vale Ben Austin.
Cricket Australia is devastated at the passing of 17-year-old Melbourne cricketer Ben Austin following an accident while batting in the nets on Tuesday night. pic.twitter.com/zBifuqrrRG
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) October 30, 2025
Ben’s father, Jace Austin, described the family as “utterly devastated,” saying, “For Tracey and me, Ben was an adored son, a deeply loved brother to Cooper and Zach, a shining light in all our lives.” He added that his son died “doing what he loved most, heading to the nets with his mates for a game of cricket.”
The family also extended compassion to the young teammate who bowled the fatal delivery, saying both boys’ lives had been forever changed.
Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins called it an “unbearably tragic moment,” comparing the incident to the accident that claimed cricketer Phillip Hughes a decade ago. “It’s heartbreaking to see such a promising life cut short while doing something he loved,” Cummins said.
Ben’s club, Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, paid tribute online, calling him “a kind, joyful soul” and urging the community to “put your bats out for Benny”, a simple, sorrowful gesture of respect.
Ben was also a talented footballer, having played more than 100 games for the Waverley Park Hawks, whose statement described him as “kind, respectful, and a fantastic teammate.”
For a boy who spent his summers under the sun with a bat in hand, Ben’s death has left an ache that runs far beyond the boundary.