Melbourne Teen Cricketer Ben Austin Dies After Training Accident
The Australian cricket community is mourning the tragic death of Ben Austin, a 17-year-old club cricketer from Melbourne, who died two days after being struck in the neck during training.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening at Ferntree Gully, in Melbourne’s outer east, where Ben was facing throwdowns using a sidearm, or “wanger,” in preparation for an upcoming T20 match. Despite wearing a helmet, it did not include a stem guard — a feature designed to protect the vulnerable area at the base of the skull and neck.
Ben was rushed to Monash Children’s Hospital in critical condition and placed on life support but tragically passed away on Thursday morning.
In a statement, Ben’s father, Jace Austin, expressed the family’s heartbreak:
“We are utterly devastated by the passing of our beautiful Ben, who died earlier on Thursday morning. 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.
This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we find some comfort that he was doing something he loved — playing cricket with his mates. We would also like to support his teammate who was bowling in the nets — this accident has impacted two young men and our thoughts are with him and his family as well.”
Cricket Australia (CA) and Cricket Victoria have extended their condolences and are providing counselling and support to all those affected.
CA chair Mike Baird described the tragedy as one that “will be felt across the country.”
“Cricket is a sport that brings communities together, and it feels very deeply an incident such as this,” Baird said. “Our focus right now is on supporting the family, the club, and everyone impacted by this tragic event.”
Nick Cummins, chief executive of Cricket Victoria, compared the heartbreaking accident to the death of Phil Hughes in 2014. He said it was too early to discuss potential changes to safety measures, such as making stem guards mandatory.
“The temptation in moments like this is to move to solution mode,” Cummins said. “At the moment, our focus is on providing support and counselling for those affected. There will be an appropriate time to review safety measures.”
At Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, an outpouring of grief has been visible, with flowers, cards, lollies, a drink bottle, and a cricket bat left in tribute. Messages inscribed on the bat read: “Rest easy Benny” and “Forever 14 not out.”
In a statement, the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club said:
“We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family — Jace, Tracey, Cooper, and Zach — and all who knew Ben and the joy he brought.”
Ben was remembered as a talented cricketer, strong leader, and respected young man. Earlier this year, he received an award recognising dedication and attitude to the game. He had recently celebrated his birthday in October.
Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association president Arnie Walters said:
“I know how heavily this news will land across our community, and we will provide every support we can to our clubs and cricket family.”
The Austin family also expressed gratitude to first responders, hospital staff, and the cricket community for their compassion and support.
“We would like to thank the first responders at the scene, the staff at Monash Children’s Hospital, and everyone who visited Ben in hospital,” Jace Austin said. “We will cherish Ben forever.”
Discussions are underway for a tribute to Ben Austin during Australia’s T20 match against India at the MCG on Friday night.