Phillip Hughes' like death rocks Australian cricket, another player gone too soon
Published - 30 Oct 2025, 12:07 PM | Updated - 30 Oct 2025, 12:08 PM
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Australian cricket has been left heartbroken after the tragic death of 17-year-old cricketer Ben Austin, who lost his life following a freak accident during practice in Melbourne.
The young cricketer was facing deliveries from an automatic bowling machine ahead of a local Twenty20 match when a ball struck him on the head and neck area, even though he was wearing a helmet.
Ben Austin was immediately rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but despite desperate efforts from doctors, he passed away on Wednesday, October 29.
Australian cricket mourns the tragic death of 17-year-old Ben Austin
The talented cricketer’s club, Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, described him as a gifted all-rounder, an inspiring teammate, and a natural leader whose loss has shattered the entire cricket community.
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The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club said in a statement: “We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community. Austin was a star cricketer, a great leader, and an awesome young man.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family … his extended family, his friends, and all of those who knew [him] and the joy that he brought.”
How did the fatal accident unfold?
Tragedy struck Australian cricket on Tuesday (October 28) evening when Ben collapsed after being hit in the neck by a ball during practice at Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully, Melbourne’s east. The young cricketer was preparing for a Twenty20 match, batting in the nets, when the fatal accident occurred in front of his shocked teammates.
It is being said that the ball struck him suddenly, and he fell to the ground moments later. Emergency services rushed to the scene, with advanced life support and intensive care paramedics working tirelessly to revive him.
Austin was then taken by ambulance to Monash Medical Centre in Clayton in critical condition, but despite all efforts, he could not be saved.
The heartbreaking incident has shaken the entire cricketing community. Officials from the Ringwood and District Cricket Association and Cricket Victoria are providing full support to Ben’s family, friends, and teammates, who are struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss.
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Ben Austin’s passing brings back painful memories of Phillip Hughes’ 2014 tragedy
Austin’s tragic passing has reignited painful memories of the 2014 incident, when the Australian Test batter Phillip Hughes died after being struck by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match.
The Phillip Hughes tragedy had prompted the cricket world to change gears for the players' safety, including the introduction of neck guards and stricter concussion protocols.
The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club has requested privacy for the grieving family as tributes continue to pour in for the talented young player, remembered as a passionate cricketer with a bright future ahead.
The Ringwood and District Cricket Association president, Michael Finn, stated, “Medical assistance was provided by people at the ground at the time until the paramedics arrived.”
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