Australian cricket is heartbroken after the tragic death of 17-year-old cricketer Ben Austin, who lost his life after a freak accident during practice in Melbourne.
The young cricketer was facing balls from an automatic bowling machine before a local Twenty20 match when one of the balls hit him in the head and neck area, even though he was wearing a helmet.
Ben Austin was immediately taken to the hospital in critical condition, but despite the tireless efforts of doctors, he died on Wednesday, October 29.
Australian cricket mourns the tragic death of 17-year-old Ben Austin
Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, the club of talented cricketers, described him as a talented all-rounder, an inspirational teammate and a natural leader, whose loss has devastated the entire cricket community.
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Ferntree Gully Cricket Club said in a statement: “We are absolutely devastated by Ben’s passing, and the impact of his death will be felt by everyone in our cricket community. Austin was a star cricketer, a great leader and a wonderful young man.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family… his extended family, his friends and all who knew him [him] And the joy that it brought.”
How did the fatal accident unfold?
Tragedy struck Australian cricket on Tuesday (October 28) evening when Benn collapsed after being hit in the neck by the ball during practice at the Valley Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully, east of Melbourne. The young cricketer was batting in the nets and preparing for a Twenty20 match when the fatal accident occurred in front of his stunned teammates.
It is being told that the ball suddenly hit him and after some time he fell on the ground. Emergency services arrived at the scene, with advanced life support and intensive care paramedics working tirelessly to revive him.
After this, Austin was taken by ambulance to Monash Medical Center in Clayton in a critical condition, but despite all efforts, he could not be saved.
This heartbreaking incident has shocked the entire cricket community. The Ringwood & District Cricket Association and Cricket Victoria officials are providing full support to Ben’s family, friends and teammates as they struggle to recover from this devastating loss.
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Ben Austin’s death brings back painful memories of Phillip Hughes’ 2014 tragedy
Austin’s tragic demise has brought back painful memories of the 2014 incident, when Australian Test batsman Phillip Hughes died after being hit by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match.
The Phillip Hughes tragedy prompted the cricket world to change gear to protect players, including neck guards and strict concussion protocols.
Ferntree Gully Cricket Club has requested privacy for the bereaved family as tributes continue to pour in for the talented young player, who is being remembered as a passionate cricketer with a bright future.
Ringwood and District Cricket Association chairman, Michael Finn, said: “Medical assistance was provided by people on the ground at the time until paramedics arrived.”