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In the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025’s second semifinal, India and Australia players are sporting black armbands to pay their respects to 17-year-old Australian club cricketer Ben Austin who died after getting struck on the neck in the nets.
Ferntree Gully Cricket Club's Austin was batting in the nets ahead of a T20 match at Walley Tew Reserve on October 28. He was hit by a bouncer from teammate who was using a sidearm. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and was put on life support. On October 29, the teenager succumbed to the injury. The injury was similar to that of Phil Hughes who was hit by Sean Abbott’s bouncer more than a decade ago.
"We are utterly devastated by the passing of our beautiful Ben, who died earlier on Thursday morning,” Ben’s father, Jace, said in a statement.
"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.”
Jace was compassionate towards his son’s teammate who bowled the bouncer. He has urged for support for the youngster.
"We would also like to support his team-mate who was bowling in the nets - this accident has impacted two young men and our thoughts are with he and his family as well," Jace added.
Australia win toss
Meanwhile, Australia captain Alyssa Healy won the toss and opted to bat first in the semifinal at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Healy replaced young opener Georgia Voll. The other change in the side is Georgia Wareham replacing Sophie Molineux. Harmanpreet Kaur made a couple of changes as well. Shafali Verma replaced an injured Pratika Rawal. Harleen Deol and Uma Chetry were dropped as fit-again Richa Ghosh and Kranti Gaud returned.
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