17-year-old Australian club cricketer, Ben Austin, succumbed to his head injury in the hospital on October 29. Austin was hit on the neck by a bowl bowled by a 'sidearm' thrower during warm-up ahead of a T20 match. The incident was similar to that of former Australian cricketer Phil Hughes who was struck on the back of his neck by a Sean Abbott bouncer.
Victoria's Head of Cricket, Nick Cummins confirmed the tragic news. The teenager was representing Ferntree Gully Cricket Club in the tournament. He suffered the injury despite wearing a helmet. Paramedics rushed to Wally Tew Reserve and took Austin to Monash Medical Center. His conditions was critical from the beginning.
“The ball hit him in the neck in a similar accident that Phil Hughes suffered ten years ago," Cummins said, as quoted by ABC.
Austin’s club releases statement
The club released a statement on their Facebook page expressing their grief. They asked everyone to respect the family's privacy and thanked those who helped Austin get to the hospital.
“We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community," the club said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family – Jace, Tracey, Cooper & Zach, his extended family, his friends and to all of those who knew Ben and the joy that he brought. We ask you to please respect the privacy of Ben’s family during this time. Jace & Tracey would like to thank Ambulance Vic, the Police, the Monash Children’s Hospital and those people who assisted on Tuesday. Further details will be shared as they become known, and we will advise of these through our usual process. We ask for your continued support in this time of grieving. May Ben Rest in Peace."
CA chair heartbroken
Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird expressed that he was left heartbroken by the incident.
“There are some days when your heart is broken, and today is one of them," he said. “Cricket is a sport that brings people together and brings communities together. It’s also one that feels very deeply."
“Bats out for Benny”
Tributes have poured in from cricket clubs across Melbourne. They are placing their bats at Walley Tew Reserve where "Bats out for Benny" message is written. The teenager has been described by the club as someone who was kind, talented, and deeply loved.