Ferntree Gully Cricket Club names 17yo Ben Austin as 12th man during memorial round in his honour

Ferntree Gully Cricket Club has named the late player Ben Austin as its senior team’s 12th man at a memorial tour in his honor this weekend.

The club continues to pay tribute to the young player who was killed by a fatal hit from a cricket ball warming up in the nets before last week’s T20 match.

Members gathered before Thursday’s practice for a moment of silence to remember Austin; A week after the horrific accident, his initials and player number BA 512 were painted on the club’s pitch.

“Tonight our players, committee, volunteers and supporters gathered around the beautiful ‘BA 512’ painted on our oval by the Australian Sportlines Line Marking and Logos team,” a club spokesman said.

“Thank you, it looks great.

“Our coach Josh Henry said a few quick words before walking towards the net for a moment of silence to remember Ben.

“It was really beautiful.

“The boys then started training; well done to you all.”

Cricket Victoria canceled matches across the state last week and will continue this weekend for the Ben Austin Memorial Tour.

The sports association invited clubs and associations to wear black armbands and observe a minute of silence before the matches.