Australia: Young cricketer Ben Austin dies in training

Seventeen-year-old Victorian cricketer Ben Austin has died after being struck on the neck by a ball during a training session. Austin, who played for the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, was hit during practice on October 28 and was immediately taken to Monash Children’s Hospital. He was placed on life support but died on Thursday morning. “The ball hit him in the neck in a similar way to the accident that claimed Phil Hughes’ life ten years ago,” Cricket Victoria head of cricket Nick Cummins told Australian media. In a statement, the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club said, “We are absolutely devasta

Seventeen-year-old Victorian cricketer Ben Austin has died after being struck on the neck by a ball during a training session. Austin, who played for the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, was hit during practice on October 28 and was immediately taken to Monash Children’s Hospital. He was placed on life support but died on Thursday morning. “The ball hit him in the neck in a similar way to the accident that claimed Phil Hughes’ life ten years ago,” Cricket Victoria head of cricket Nick Cummins told Australian media. In a statement, the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club said, “We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben. The impact of his death will be felt across our cricket community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family Jace, Tracey, Cooper and Zach  his extended family, friends, and everyone who knew the joy he brought.” Cricket Australia (CA) chair Mike Baird said the organisation would provide full support to Austin’s family and club. Cricket Victoria chief executive Nick Cummins said the loss had deeply affected the state’s cricket community. Austin’s family also released a statement. His father, Jace, said “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.” Austin’s death comes eleven years after Phillip Hughes, a 25-year-old Australian Test cricketer, died after being struck on the neck during a Sheffield Shield match in Sydney. Hughes’ death led to major reforms in player safety, including improved protective gear and concussion protocols.