A TEENAGE cricket star has tragically died after being hit by a ball during a practice session.
Ben Austin passed away on Thursday in Ferntree Gully, Melbourne.
Teenage cricket star Ben Austin has died after being hit by a ballCredit: Getty
The 17-year-old had been practising his batting in the nets before a game when he was hit in the neck by a ball.
Emergency workers attended the scene around 5pm local time before he was rushed to hospital in critical condition.
The teenager was put on life support but died on Thursday.
Ferntree Gully Cricket Club announced his passing with a statement on social media which read: “The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club sadly wishes to advise of the tragic passing of our player, Ben Austin on 29/10/25.
“We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community.
“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.”
Ben’s dad, Jace, also shared a statement on behalf of the Austin family.
He said: “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 shared support for Ben’s team-mate, who was bowling in the nets when the accident happened, adding: “This accident has impacted two young men and our thoughts are with he and his family as well.”
Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins was among the people who paid tribute to Ben.
He said: “This is an extremely challenging time and we are devastated for Ben’s family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew him.
“The entire cricketing community in Victoria – and nationally – is mourning this loss and it will be something that will stay with us for a long time.
“Ben was a talented player, popular teammate and captain who was well known in Under 18 circles throughout Melbourne’s south east.
“It is heartbreaking to see a young life cut so short, while Ben was doing something that he loved so much.”
legend also paid tribute to the teenager, writing on social media: “Horrific news of a young 17yr old boy who got struck by a cricket ball in the nets yesterday in and sadly passed away. Thoughts with all his family and friends!”
The teenager was understood to be wearing a helmet when the incident occurred.
His tragic passing comes just over a decade after the shock death of Phillip Hughes.
The Australian cricketer during a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
