Tragic Tribute: Cricket Stars Unite in Heartbreaking Farewell to Teenager Killed in Training Nightmare
- Australian cricketers pay emotional tribute to 17-year-old Ben Austin, who died after a freak accident in the nets
- Players from Victoria and Tasmania hold minute’s silence and wear black armbands in memory of the talented young cricketer
- Cricket authorities pledge to support Austin’s family and friends after the tragic loss, saying “cricket is a sport that brings people together”
Australian cricket has been left reeling after the tragic death of 17-year-old Ben Austin, who died after a freak accident during training. In a heart-wrenching tribute, the country’s top cricketers have come together to pay their respects to the talented young player.
In a poignant gesture, players from Victoria and Tasmania held a minute’s silence before today’s final day of play in their Sheffield Shield clash in Melbourne. They also lined up their bats and caps against the Junction Oval’s white picket fence, echoing the same tributes made after the death of Test batter Phillip Hughes in 2014.
Austin was struck in the neck while practising in the nets at Melbourne’s Wally Tew Reserve on Tuesday afternoon and died from his injuries in hospital yesterday morning. His father, Jace Austin, said: “We are utterly devastated by the passing of our beautiful Ben. 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 added, fighting back tears.
Austin was also remembered as a talented Australian rules footballer and “emerging star” in the Victorian umpiring scene. Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) chief executive Jason Reddick said: “It is a shock to everyone to lose such a young, vibrant person in these tragic circumstances.”
Cricket authorities have pledged to do everything possible to support Austin’s family and friends following his death. Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird said: “Cricket is a sport that brings people together, communities together. It’s also one that feels very deeply in incidents such as we’ve seen.”
“It’s hard to put words on it, what we want to say is we’re doing everything we can to support the family, the club and all those impacted by this tragic news. Clearly there are things we have to learn from this, but right now we’re concerned about the family and trying to support them in every way.”
A further tribute is expected to be held for Austin at tonight’s T20 international between Australia and India at the MCG. The cricket world has been left shattered by the tragic loss of this talented young player, and the outpouring of grief and support is a testament to the close-knit community that cricket fosters.