Overview
- Ben Austin, 17, was struck in the neck while batting in the nets at Wally Tew Reserve on Tuesday afternoon, received advanced life support at the scene, and died in hospital on Wednesday.
- Ferntree Gully Cricket Club confirmed his death and Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia offered condolences and support to teammates, family and the local community.
- Reports indicate he wore a helmet but not a neck or stem guard, with officials noting that details are still being verified.
- Accounts differ on whether an automatic bowling machine or a hand‑held ball launcher delivered the ball, and Cricket Victoria’s CEO said witnesses are traumatised and information remains scant.
- Austin’s family said they are ‘utterly devastated’ and publicly supported the teammate involved, as tributes were laid at the ground and comparisons resurfaced with the 2014 death of Phillip Hughes.