A young talented Australian cricketer has passed away following a tragic incident where he was struck by a ball during practice, leaving his local club in deep sorrow. Ben Austin, aged 17, was using an automatic bowling machine in the nets wearing a helmet before a Twenty20 match in Melbourne when he was hit on the head and neck. Despite being rushed to the hospital in critical condition, he succumbed to his injuries the following day.
Expressing profound grief, the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club conveyed their devastation over Ben’s untimely demise, emphasizing the profound impact on the entire cricket community. Regarded as a rising star in both bowling and batting, Ben was hailed by his club as an exceptional cricketer, a charismatic leader, and a remarkable individual.
While tragedies in cricket are uncommon, the cricketing world was previously shaken by the death of Test star Phillip Hughes in 2014. Hughes tragically lost his life after being struck in the neck by a ball during a domestic Sheffield Shield game. His passing triggered widespread mourning in Australia and globally, prompting the implementation of stricter concussion protocols and advanced player safety measures.