Ferntree Gully Cricket Club classy tribute for Ben Austin after fatal accident
Local cricket matches kicked off with a minute’s silence and a special honors ceremony for 17-year-old Ben Austin, who tragically died in a cricket accident.
As part of the Ben Austin tribute, Ferntree Gully Cricket Club started each match with a minute’s silence to honor Ben and declare him 12th man among all senior teams.
The club paid tribute to Ben, who was fatally hit by a cricket ball while warming up two weeks ago.
Cricket Victoria confirmed the teenager was wearing a helmet but no neck guard at the time of the incident.
He was treated at the scene and put on life support before being taken to Monash Medical Center in a critical condition.
Ben died tragically the next day.
Ben’s death was confirmed by Ferntree Gully Cricket Club on Thursday 30 October.
“We are absolutely devastated by Ben’s passing and the impact of his death will be felt by everyone in our cricket community,” the club said in a statement.
“We ask that you respect Ben’s family’s privacy during this time.”
The teenager’s memorial service last weekend was postponed after wet weather overshadowed the weekend’s game.
“Teams are ready for the Ben Austin Memorial one-day games tomorrow – we hope the weather is as nice as today!” Ferntree Gully Cricket Club wrote on their social media pages yesterday.
Cricket Victoria canceled matches in the state two weeks after Ben’s death shook the cricket world.
In a statement released two weeks ago, CEO Nick Cummins said Cricket Victoria was saddened and shocked by the teenager’s passing.
“It’s heartbreaking to see a young life cut so short while I was doing something he loved so much,” he said.
“Cricket Victoria is actively supporting the Austin family and a number of cricket clubs affected, including Ferntree Gully, and will continue to do so over the challenging months ahead.”
