Tragic Loss: Teenage Cricketer Ben Austin Dies After Training Incident

Thu Oct 30 2025 17:06:17 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Seventeen-year-old Ben Austin tragically passed away after being struck by a cricket ball during practice in Melbourne. The cricket community mourns the loss of a beloved young athlete.

Ben Austin, a 17-year-old cricketer from Melbourne, died after being hit in the neck by a cricket ball during a training session. Despite emergency care and being placed on life support, he succumbed to his injuries two days later, leaving his family and the cricket community devastated. His father shared heartfelt tributes about Ben's love for the sport and the profound impact of this tragedy on their family and friends.

An Australian teenager has died after he was hit by a cricket ball during a practice session in Melbourne.

Ben Austin, 17, was training - with a helmet but no neck guard - in cricket nets in Ferntree Gully on Tuesday when he was hit in the neck by a ball thrown using a handheld ball launcher.

Emergency workers attended the scene around 5:00 PM local time (06:00 GMT) before Ben was rushed to hospital in critical condition. He was put on life support but died on Thursday.

Ben's dad Jace Austin said the family was utterly devastated by the death of our beautiful Ben while Cricket Victoria said the cricketing community across the country would be mourning the teenager's death.

In a statement, Jace Austin shared details of his family's loss. 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 said.

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.

Mr. Austin also thanked the local cricketing community for their support since the accident and praised the first responders and medical staff who helped his son.

Cricket Victoria's CEO Nick Cummins remarked it was an extremely challenging time while reminding everyone of the importance of safety in sports. The cricket community is mourning the loss of a young talent.

In a tribute, the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club called on supporters to put your bats out for Benny, echoing a gesture previously made for another cricketer who tragically died. Ben is remembered as not only a talented cricketer but a kind and respectful young person who brightened the lives of many.