Young Australian Cricketer Ben Austin Dies After Being Struck by Ball
A tragic incident has shaken the Australian cricket community after 17-year-old cricketer Ben Austin died from injuries sustained while practising ahead of a match in Melbourne.
A tragic incident has shaken the Australian cricket community after 17-year-old cricketer Ben Austin died from injuries sustained while practising ahead of a match in Melbourne.
According to reports, Austin was struck in the head and neck area while facing deliveries from an automatic bowling machine during a training session on Tuesday. The teenager, who was wearing a helmet at the time, was preparing for a Twenty20 match when the accident occurred.
He was rushed to hospital in critical condition but sadly passed away on Wednesday.
In a heartfelt statement, the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club expressed deep sorrow over the loss:
“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 described Austin as a “star cricketer, great leader and an awesome young man”, highlighting his promise as both a bowler and batter.
While fatalities in cricket are extremely rare, the tragedy has revived memories of the death of Phillip Hughes in 2014. The Australian Test batter was struck in the neck during a Sheffield Shield match, an event that led to widespread grief and significant improvements in player safety protocols and protective gear.
The loss of Ben Austin has left teammates, coaches, and the broader cricket community mourning the passing of a talented young player with a bright future ahead.
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