17-year-old cricketer dies after being hit by ball, his name is…, he was from…
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday evening at the Walley Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully, south-east of Melbourne. Read here to find out exactly what it is
Eleven years after the tragic loss of Phil Hughes, a devastating event has once again shaken the Australian cricket community. 17-year-old Ben Austin died after getting hit by a ball in his neck during training in Melbourne. The young player was preparing for the T20 match when the incident took place. Although they were taken to hospital, the injuries proved fatal and painful memories were revived in the cricket world.
What exactly happened?
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday evening at the Walley Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully, south-east of Melbourne. Ben Austin was in the nets, preparing for Wednesday’s T20 match against Eildon Park. Reports indicate that the young cricketer was wearing a helmet when the ball hit his head and neck area.
Following the incident, the emergency medical team was called to the scene and provided first aid. The young cricketer was later sent to Monash Medical Center and put on life support. But Ferntree Gully Cricket Club sadly confirmed his death on Thursday morning.
“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 statement also reads: “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family – Jace, Tracey, Cooper and Zach, his extended family, friends and everyone who knew Ben and the joy he brought. We ask that you respect Ben’s family’s privacy during this time. Jace & Tracey would like to thank Ambulance Vic, Police, Monash Children’s Hospital and those who assisted on Tuesday. As more details become known they will be shared and communicated through us. We ask for your continued support at this time of grief. May Ben May he rest in peace.”
who was Ben Austin?
A dedicated sportsman, Ben Austin was actively involved in both Aussie Rules football and cricket. He played for Ferntree Gully, Mulgrave and Eildon Park Cricket Clubs. Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association president Arnie Walters expressed his deep sadness and described the young player’s death as a “tremendous loss” to the community.
Meanwhile, this devastating incident comes just a decade after the death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, who died from injuries sustained when he was hit on the neck by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2014.
