Overview
- Ferntree Gully Cricket Club confirmed Ben Austin died after being struck during a net session at Wally Tew Reserve on Tuesday afternoon.
- Specialist paramedics treated him at the ground and he was taken to Monash Medical Centre in critical condition before his death was announced the next day.
- Reports differ on the training tool involved, with outlets citing an automatic bowling machine while Cricket Victoria’s CEO said the current understanding is a sidearm thrower was used.
- Austin was wearing a helmet, and Cricket Victoria’s CEO said his understanding is that a stem guard was not in use, a detail drawing comparisons to Phillip Hughes’ 2014 tragedy.
- Grief counselling and welfare support have been organised for players and officials, and Austin’s family issued a statement thanking first responders and the cricket community.