A 17-year-old Australian cricketer has died after being struck in the neck by a ball during a practice session in Melbourne. Ben Austin was training in the nets at Ferntree Gully on Tuesday when he was hit by a delivery thrown from a hand-held device known as a “wanger.”
He was wearing a helmet but no neck guard at the time. Emergency services provided advanced life support before transporting him to Monash Medical Centre in critical condition. Despite their efforts, Ben was placed on life support and died on Thursday, leaving the local community and Australian cricket in shock.
The loss has deeply affected Ben’s family and the wider cricket fraternity. Ben’s father, Jace Austin, said the family was “utterly devastated” by the passing of “our beautiful Ben.” Cricket Victoria echoed the sentiment, saying the cricketing community across the country would be mourning the teenager’s death. Tributes from friends, teammates, and local clubs have since poured in, reflecting the profound impact Ben had on those around him.
Ben was a dedicated player for the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club and had also represented Mulgrave and Eildon Park cricket clubs. The club said it was “absolutely devastated,” adding, “The impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community.” Condolences have flooded social media, with the club requesting privacy for the family during this difficult time.
The teenager also played representative cricket for the Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association. Its president, Arnie Walters, described Ben as “both talented and popular in local cricket,” calling his passing “an enormous loss to our local community.” Walters added, “We will provide any and all support we can to our clubs and cricket family,” and appealed for privacy for everyone affected.
Further details indicate Ben collapsed immediately after being struck. Michael Finn, president of the Ringwood and District Cricket Association, said, “Medical assistance was provided by people at the ground until paramedics arrived.” Support is being extended to those affected, in partnership with Cricket Victoria. Reports confirm Ben was wearing a helmet at the time.
Nick Cummins, chief executive officer of Cricket Victoria, referenced a similar tragedy a decade ago: “The ball hit him in the neck in a similar accident that Phil Hughes suffered 10 years ago,” Cummins told the ABC. “The entire cricketing community in Victoria—and nationally—is mourning this loss, and it will stay with us for a long time. It is heartbreaking to see a young life cut so short while Ben was doing something he loved so much.”
Ben’s family said in a statement, “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.” His father expressed appreciation for the support they’ve received, noting, “This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we find some comfort that he was doing something he did for so many summers—going down to the nets with mates to play cricket.” The family also acknowledged the impact on the teammate who was bowling, saying, “This accident has impacted two young men and our thoughts are with him and his family as well.” Jace Austin also thanked first responders and medical staff for their efforts.
Tributes for Ben have extended well beyond the cricket pitch. Ferntree Gully Cricket Club encouraged the community to “put your bats out for Benny” in remembrance—a gesture echoing the tribute made for Phillip Hughes ten years ago. The Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football Club, where Ben played more than 100 games, remembered him as “kind,” “respectful,” and a “fantastic footballer.” The club said, “Our club and community have lost a truly great young person who was developing into a fine young adult, and his loss will be felt keenly by our club for many years to come.”
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