The global cricket fraternity has been left stunned by the sudden death of 17-year-old Australian cricketer Ben Austin, who died after being struck by a ball during a training session.
Austin was batting in the nets ahead of a T20 match when he was hit in the neck by a ball during practice at Ferntree Gully, in front of his teammates. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition by advanced life support and intensive care paramedics on Tuesday. After battling for his life for a day, he passed away on Wednesday.
Mourning the loss of the young talent, Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders expressed their condolences, while the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) announced that players would wear black armbands as a tribute to the teenager on Day 3 of their Sheffield Shield match against South Australia.
Flowers, bats, and shirts were placed at the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club nets in memory of Ben Austin.
“Cricket, like life, can be heartbreakingly unpredictable. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” Chennai Super Kings shared on X.
“All of us at KKR are deeply saddened by the loss of young Ben Austin. Our love and prayers are with his family, friends, teammates, and the Australian cricket community during this difficult time,” Kolkata Knight Riders wrote.
“Black armbands today for Ben Austin. Thoughts with his family and friends,” WACA said in a post on X.
Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen wrote, “Horrific news of a young 17-year-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.”
“Gone too soon, Ben Austin. To his family, friends, teammates, and the entire Cricket Australia community, we stand with you in this unimaginable moment of grief,” Lucknow Super Giants shared.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan said, “RIP Ben Austin… Gone far too young. Thoughts are with all his family and close friends.”
Cricket New South Wales said it “joins the wider cricket community in mourning the loss of Ben Austin and extends its deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and Ferntree Gully Cricket Club.”
The Big Bash League club Sydney Sixers wrote, “We’re heartbroken to hear of Ben Austin’s passing. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone at Ferntree Gully Cricket Club.”
“The passing of young Melbourne cricketer Ben Austin has left us heartbroken. Our thoughts are with his loved ones, his teammates at Ferntree Gully, Mulgrave, and Eildon Park cricket clubs, and the entire cricket community. Rest easy, Ben,” said Melbourne Renegades.
Meanwhile, Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, in conjunction with the Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football Club, has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help support Ben Austin’s family.
— IANS