Melbourne’s cricket community is mourning the death of 17-year-old Ben Austin, who died after being struck in the neck by a ball while training at the Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully earlier this week. Cricket Victoria confirmed the incident occurred when Ben was hit by a ball delivered using a “wanger,” a ball-throwing device, before a match.
Paramedics arrived shortly before 5 p.m. on Tuesday and rushed him to Monash Medical Centre, where he remained in critical condition before passing away. Cricket Victoria’s chief executive, Nick Cummins, said Ben had been wearing a helmet but not a stem guard at the time of the accident.
“The ball hit him in the neck in a similar accident that Phil Hughes suffered 10 years ago,” he said. Ben’s father, Jace Austin, described his son as “a shining light in the lives of our families and friends.” He said the family found some comfort knowing Ben died doing what he loved.
“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,” he said. Mr. Austin also expressed support for Ben’s teammate, who was bowling at the time. “This accident has impacted two young men, and our thoughts are with him and his family as well,” he said.
He thanked first responders, hospital staff, and the cricket community for their overwhelming support. Ferntree Gully Cricket Club president Lee Thompson said the club was “devastated” by Ben’s death. “The club’s thoughts are with Ben’s family, his extended family, and to all those who knew Ben and the joy he brought into their lives,” he said. “You’ll always be a Gully boy, Benny, our beautiful, respectful boy.”
Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird said the teenager’s death “will be felt across the country.” He added, “There are some days when your heart is broken, and today is one of them.” At the Wally Tew Reserve, floral tributes and messages of support have been placed at the cricket nets.
Many clubs have joined the “Bats Out for Benny” tribute, echoing the gesture made for Phillip Hughes in 2014. Ben’s former teammate Liam Vertigan described him as “the loudest kid on the field” who “lived and breathed his cricket and football.”
Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football Club remembered him as “a kind, respectful, popular and much-loved player,” while VAFA Umpires Association president Michael Evans said, “There are no other words to describe Ben’s passing than as a tragedy.”
Victorian Education Minister Ben Carroll said support is being provided to Ben’s classmates and community. “Our heartfelt condolences and thoughts are with Ben’s family. He was obviously someone who lit up every room he walked into,” he said.
