An Australian teenager, Ben Austin, has died after he was struck by a cricket ball during a practice session in Melbourne. The 17-year-old was training in cricket nets in Ferntree Gully when he was hit in the neck by a ball thrown using a handheld device.
Emergency services responded quickly, and Ben was rushed to the hospital, where he was placed on life support. Sadly, he passed away two days later. His father, Jace Austin, expressed the family's devastation, stating, 'For Tracey and I, Ben was an adored son and a shining light in our lives.'
Cricket Victoria acknowledged the significant impact of this tragic event on the cricketing community and emphasized the need for enhanced safety measures. This incident closely mirrors the death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes in 2014, who also suffered a fatal neck injury during a match.
Ben was a beloved member of the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club and a talented player recognized in under-18 leagues. The local cricket community is rallying support for his family and friends, calling for gestures to honor Ben's memory.
As discussions around safety in cricket continue, many are left reflecting on the loss of a young life full of promise.
