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Ben Austin, a promising 17-year-old cricketer from Melbourne, has died after being struck by a ball during a nets session at Ferntree Gully Cricket Club in the city
A 17-year-old cricketer has tragically passed away in Australia after being hit in the neck by a ball during a practice session. Ben Austin was training with his team-mates at Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, in Melbourne, when he was fatally struck.
Austin was batting in the nets wearing a helmet when the incident happened. Emergency services were called and the young cricketer was rushed to hospital in a critical condition, but sadly he did not recover.
The teenager was put on life support before passing away on Thursday. Ferntree Gully Cricket Club announced the tragic news with a statement on social media.
“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,” it read.
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“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family – Jace, Tracey, Cooper & 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 & 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 released a statement on behalf of his family. It read: “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 sent support for the bowler, adding: “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 died after being hit in the neck while batting in 2014 – also released a statement. “We would like to send our deepest condolences to the Austin family for the loss of their adored son and brother, Ben,” it read.
“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 star Kevin Pietersen sent his condolences on social media, 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!”
Cricket Victoria 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.”
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