A teenage cricketer has died tragically in Australia after being struck in the neck by a ball while practising with his teammates. Ben Austin, 17, was batting in the nets while wearing a helmet at Ferntree Gully Cricket Club in Melbourne when the devastating incident occurred.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and transported Austin to hospital in a critical condition. Despite being placed on life support, he sadly died on Thursday. The club confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement shared on social media, reports The Mirror.
It read: “The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club sadly wishes to advise of the tragic passing of our player, Ben Austin on 29/10/25. We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family – Jace, Tracey, Cooper and Zach, his extended family, his friends and to all of those who knew Ben and the joy that he brought. We ask you to please respect the privacy of Ben’s family during this time.
“Jace and Tracey would like to thank Ambulance Vic, the Police, the Monash Children’s Hospital and those people who assisted on Tuesday. Further details will be shared as they become known, and we will advise of these through our usual process. We ask for your continued support in this time of grieving. May Ben Rest in Peace.”
Ben’s father, Jace, also issued a heartfelt statement on behalf of his family. He said: “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. 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 loved cricket and it was one of the joys of his life.”
Jace also extended his thoughts to the bowler involved. He added: “This accident has impacted two young men and our thoughts are with he and his family as well.”
The family of Phillip Hughes – an Australian Test star who tragically died after being struck in the neck while batting in 2014 – also shared their condolences. They said: “We would like to send our deepest condolences to the Austin family for the loss of their adored son and brother, Ben.
“Our thoughts are with you, the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club and the greater cricket community as we think of Ben and his love of cricket. We send our warmest sympathies as you navigate through this time, as we know all too well…and hope your cherished memories of Ben comfort you.”
Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen also took to social media to express his sorrow, writing: “Horrific news of a young 17yr old boy who got struck by a cricket ball in the nets yesterday in Melbourne and sadly passed away. Thoughts with all his family and friends!”
Meanwhile, Cricket Victoria’s chief executive, Nick Cummins, wrote: “This is an extremely challenging time and we are devastated for Ben’s family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew him. The entire cricketing community in Victoria – and nationally – is mourning this loss and it will be something that will stay with us for a long time.
“Ben was a talented player, popular teammate and captain who was well known in Under 18 circles throughout Melbourne’s south east. It is heartbreaking to see a young life cut so short, while Ben was doing something that he loved so much.”