Australian Cricketer Ben Austin Dies Following Training Accident
New Delhi: In a tragic incident for the world of cricket, 17-year-old Australian cricketer Ben Austin passed away after being struck by a ball during practice in Melbourne. The accident occurred on October 28, while Austin was training at the Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully.
Reports indicate that Austin was facing deliveries from an automatic bowling machine while wearing a helmet when he was hit in the head and neck area. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, and he was transported to Monash Medical Centre in a critical condition. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries on October 29.
Austin’s death has drawn comparisons to the tragedy of Australian cricketer Phil Hughes, who lost his life when struck on the head in 2014. Although fatalities in cricket are uncommon, Austin’s case serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks associated with the sport, even during training sessions.
Following the news of his son’s passing, Jace Austin, Ben’s father, expressed the family’s devastation. “We are utterly devastated by the passing of our beautiful Ben, who died earlier on Thursday morning. For Tracey and me, Ben was an adored son, a deeply loved brother to Cooper and Zach, and a shining light in the lives of our family and friends,” he stated through Cricket Victoria.
He continued, “This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we find some comfort in knowing he was doing something he loved—going down to the nets with mates to play cricket. Cricket was one of the joys of his life.”
