October 30, 2025

The cricket world is again struck by sorrow as young Melbourne cricketer Ben Austin, aged just 17, lost his life after a tragic accident during practice. The Hughes family, whose son Phillip Hughes also died in a similar cricket tragedy in 2014, have shared a deeply emotional message to the Austin family. The Hughes family said, "We would like to send our deepest condolences to the Austin family for the loss of their adored son and brother, Ben. Our thoughts are with you, the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club and the greater cricket community as we think of Ben and his love of cricket. We send our warmest sympathies as you navigate through this time, as we know all too well… and hope your cherished memories of Ben comfort you." Ben was practising at the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club in Melbourne when the tragedy struck. A ball, thrown from a wanger (a hand-held bowling machine), hit him in the neck. Though rushed to hospital and placed on life support, Ben passed away on Thursday morning, leaving the community shattered. The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club expressed their heartbreak, saying, "We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family – Jace, Tracey, Cooper & Zach." The club has asked cricket fans to remember Ben by placing their cricket bats outside their homes, mirroring the moving tribute for Phillip Hughes a decade ago. Ben's father, Jace Austin, shared a touching glimpse of their beloved son: "For Tracey and I, Ben was an adored son, deeply loved brother to Cooper and Zach and a shining light in the lives of our family and friends. This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we find some comfort that he was doing something he did for so many summers — going down to the nets with mates to play cricket. He loved cricket and it was one of the joys of his life." Heartfelt tributes have flooded in from the global cricket world. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen wrote on X, "Horrific news of a young 17yr old boy who got struck by a cricket ball in the nets yesterday in Melbourne and sadly passed away. Thoughts with all his family and friends! Cricket family." Cricket Australia said, "Vale Ben Austin. Cricket Australia is devastated at the passing of 17-year-old Melbourne cricketer Ben Austin following an accident while batting in the nets on Tuesday night." Echoing the pain felt ten years ago over Phillip Hughes, Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins mentioned, "The ball hit him in the neck in a similar accident that Phil Hughes suffered 10 years ago. The entire cricketing community in Victoria — and nationally — is mourning this loss and it will be something that will stay with us for a long time." In an emotional mark of respect, players across the recent Sheffield Shield matches wore black armbands to honour Ben Austin’s memory. Cricket fans everywhere are reminded of the risks players take and the close-knit spirit of the game that both Ben and Phillip shared. As this sad chapter unfolds, the cricket community stands united, sending strength and love to the Austin family and remembering Ben’s passion that shone on the field, however briefly. May his soul rest in peace.

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Tags: Ben austin, Phillip hughes, Cricket tragedy, Ferntree gully cricket club, Cricket safety, Sheffield shield,