Melbourne, October 30 : Australian teenage cricketer Ben Austin, aged 17, tragically passed away after being struck on the neck during a practice session, evoking painful memories of the 2014 incident that claimed the life of cricketer Phillip Hughes.
As per agency report, Austin was practicing at Ferntree Gully in Melbourne when a ball struck him on the neck and head during a net session ahead of a T20 match. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and placed on a ventilator, but despite medical efforts, he could not be saved. The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club confirmed his death on Thursday, expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to his family, friends, and teammates.
According to reports, Austin was wearing a helmet at the time but not a neck guard. The incident has reignited calls for stricter use of protective gear at all levels of the sport.
Cricket Victoria released a statement on behalf of Ben’s father, Jess Austin, expressing the family’s grief. The statement said Ben was a beloved son to his parents, Tracey and Jess, and a cherished brother to Cooper and Josh. The family described him as the light of their lives, adding that his passion for cricket made him happiest.
The family also expressed sympathy for the bowler involved in the accident, acknowledging that the tragedy had affected two young lives and extending support to him and his family.
The incident has drawn parallels to the death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, who passed away in November 2014 after being struck by a bouncer near the ear during a first-class match in Sydney.
