Key Points
- A moment of silence was observed at the Australia vs India T20I, with both teams and officials wearing black armbands in tribute to Austin.
- The incident has raised concerns about safety in grassroots cricket, especially the use of sidearms and the need for better protective gear.
MELBOURNE: Cricketing communities worldwide united in tribute to 17-year-old Ben Austin, a young Melbourne cricketer, who tragically passed away following a training accident. Austin was struck in the neck by a ball thrown from a sidearm during a net session at the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club. Despite being placed on life support, he succumbed to his injuries on October 30.
Before the start of the second T20I between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on October 31, a moment of silence was observed in his memory. His image was displayed on the big screen, and his cap was placed on a plinth on the outfield as a tribute. Both teams, as well as the match officials, wore black armbands to honour Austin’s life and passion for the game.
A minute of silence was observed at the MCG following the tragic passing of Ben Austin ❤️ pic.twitter.com/xly79nAgcg
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 31, 2025
In an emotional show of solidarity, the Australia and India women’s teams also wore black armbands during their semifinal match at the ongoing Women’s World Cup. Similarly, players in the Sheffield Shield fixtures paid tribute by placing bats on the ground, wearing black armbands, and holding a minute’s silence before play began at Junction Oval in Melbourne.
A Tragic Loss
Austin’s father, Jace Austin, shared heartfelt words in the wake of his son’s death: “This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we find comfort knowing he was doing something he loved, going down to the nets with mates to play cricket. He loved the game; it was one of the greatest joys of his life.”
Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria have extended their support to Austin’s grieving family, teammates, and the wider cricketing community. Nick Cummins, CEO of Cricket Victoria, spoke of the strong unity within the sport: “It makes you so proud to realize how connected the cricket community is and how much we look after each other… but it’s a shame that it’s these moments that remind you of that very fact.”
Austin’s teammate, Liam Vertigan, remembered him as “a passionate and kind young man” who was “loved by everyone” for his cheerful, polite demeanour and infectious smile. Vertigan added, “He lived and breathed cricket.”
A Call for Safety in Grassroots Cricket
The tragic incident has sparked renewed discussions on safety standards in grassroots cricket, particularly around the use of sidearms (commonly referred to as “wangers”) and the need for improved protective gear. While Austin had worn a helmet during his session, it did not have the mandatory stem guard, which is now a requirement for professional matches but only recommended for community-level play.
Cricket Victoria’s Nick Cummins noted that while the tragedy raised important safety concerns, the immediate focus was on supporting those affected by the trauma, with a review of safety protocols to come at a later time.
The tragic loss of Ben Austin has deeply impacted his local community, with friends and club members gathering at the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club to create a memorial, leaving flowers, cricket bats, and heartfelt tributes.
Remembering a Young Cricketing Talent
The incident resonates with the heartbreak felt after the death of Phillip Hughes in 2014, who was struck in the neck during a Sheffield Shield match. The Hughes family expressed their condolences, sending support to the Austin family and offering words of comfort, knowing the pain of such a loss.
As of Friday afternoon, a GoFundMe campaign to support Austin’s family had raised over AUD $120,000, with the cricket community rallying to provide financial and emotional support during this incredibly difficult time.
