A young cricketer, aged 17, has tragically passed away in Australia after being struck in the neck by a ball during a practice session. The incident occurred while Ben Austin was training with his team-mates at Ferntree Gully Cricket Club in Melbourne.

Austin, who was wearing a helmet while batting in the nets, was immediately attended to by emergency services and rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Despite efforts, he did not survive.

Following the heartbreaking event, Ferntree Gully Cricket Club issued a statement on social media announcing the passing of their player, Ben Austin. The club expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to Austin’s family, friends, and the wider cricket community.

Ben’s father, Jace, also shared a statement honoring his son’s memory, emphasizing Ben’s love for cricket and the joy it brought him throughout his life. Jace also extended sympathy to the bowler involved in the accident and their family.

In a show of solidarity, the family of Phillip Hughes, an Australian Test star who tragically passed away in a similar on-field incident in 2014, offered their heartfelt condolences to the Austin family and the cricket community at large.

Notable figures in the cricket world, including former England star Kevin Pietersen and Cricket Victoria chief executive Nick Cummins, expressed their sympathies and shared sentiments of grief over the untimely loss of Ben Austin. Cummins praised Austin’s talent, leadership, and popularity within the cricketing circles, emphasizing the profound impact of his passing on the cricket community.

The cricketing world mourns the loss of a promising young player whose life was cut short while pursuing his passion on the field.