Teen cricketer Ben Austin dies after being hit on head throughout coaching session

A 17-year-old cricketer has died after being hit within the head throughout a coaching session in suburban Melbourne.

Local cricket officers stated Ben Austin was rushed to a hospital in important situation after being struck by a ball throughout apply at Ferntree Gully on Tuesday.

He was batting within the nets — that are usually apply pitches enclosed by netting — in opposition to bowlers when the damage occurred in entrance of his teammates.

The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club on Thursdsay (October 20, 2025) confirmed that Austin had died.

“We are completely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his demise might be felt by all in our cricket neighborhood,” the membership stated in an announcement. “Our ideas and prayers are along with his household . . . his pals and to all of those that knew Ben and the enjoyment that he introduced.”

Ringwood and District Cricket Association president Michael Finn stated Austin was warming up within the nets when the damage occurred.

“Medical help was offered by folks on the floor on the time till the paramedics arrived,” he stated.

Cricket Australia launched an announcement from Ben’s father, Jace Austin, issued assertion on behalf of the household.

“This tragedy has taken Ben from us, however we discover some consolation that he was doing one thing he did for therefore many summers — happening to the nets with mates to play cricket,” the household’s assertion stated. “He liked cricket and it was one of many joys of his life.

“We would additionally wish to help his teammate who was bowling within the nets — this accident has impacted two younger males and our ideas are with he and his household as effectively.”

In November 2014, worldwide cricketer Phillip Hughes died in a Sydney hospital on the age of 25 two days after being hit close to the ear by a ball whereas batting for South Australia in opposition to his former staff, New South Wales, in a first-class match.

Hours after Hughes’ demise, Cricket Australia postponed the primary scheduled cricket take a look at in opposition to India in Brisbane. New rules had been subsequently launched for batting helmets in top-tier cricket.