A tragic incident has shaken the cricketing world in Melbourne, Australia. 17-year-old talented cricketer Ben Austin lost his life after an unfortunate accident during practice. On Tuesday, Ben was practicing batting in front of an automatic bowling machine at his club's nets. Despite wearing a helmet, the ball struck him in the head and neck area. Following the accident, he was immediately rushed to the hospital in critical condition, where he sadly passed away on Wednesday.
Club Expresses Deep Mourning
Austin’s cricket club, Ferntree Gully issued an official statement on Facebook expressing their sorrow, saying, "We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community."
The club also called on people to “put your bats out for Benny”, replicating the gesture that followed Hughes’ death.
In addition to the call for people to leave cricket bats at their doors, memorials are being planned for Friday’s T20 match against India at the MCG, as well as upcoming Sheffield Shield games. Several grassroots cricketers across the country also plan to wear black armbands in tribute to the passionate cricketer from Melbourne’s east.
Echoes of the 2014 Tragedy
Ben’s death has once again reminded the cricketing world of the tragic death of Phillip Hughes. In 2014, Hughes was fatally struck on the neck by a bouncer during a domestic Sheffield Shield match, leading to his untimely death. In the aftermath of that incident, Cricket Australia had implemented stricter safety measures and concussion protocols.
