By Angus Delaney
A popular young Melbourne cricketer who was critically injured while training at a suburban cricket ground has died.
Ben Austin, 17, suffered catastrophic injuries when he was struck in the neck while facing balls in the cricket nets at Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully on Tuesday afternoon.
Junior cricketer Ben Austin was struck by a ball in the cricket nets on Tuesday night.Credit: Ferntree Gully Cricket Club
In a statement, the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club said Ben, a student at Rowville Secondary College, died on Wednesday.
“The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club wishes to advise of the tragic passing of our player, Ben Austin on 29/10/25,” the club said in a social media post on Thursday morning.
“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. May Ben Rest in Peace.”
Ben died in hospital on Wednesday.Credit: Ferntree Gully Cricket Club Facebook
Ben was also a much-loved senior footballer at the Waverley Park Hawks junior football club.
“Ben was a kind, respectful, popular and much loved player at our club. He supported his teammates and was a support to all of the kids that he played with. He had a wide network of great friends who will miss him dearly,” the club said in a statement.
“Ben loved the Hawks and played over 100 games for our club, he was a true Hawks man who was universally loved by the players, coaches and parents. This culminated in him winning the Runner-Up Best and Fairest and Best Finals Player in 2025.
“We will miss him immensely in seasons to come. Our club and community have lost a truly great young person who was developing into a fine young adult and his loss will be felt keenly by our club for many years to come.”
The promising young teenager was not listed to play in the cricket match against Eildon Park, but he was training as clubmates warmed up. The game was abandoned after Ben was injured.
This masthead has been told that Ben was facing throw-downs delivered by a “wanger” or dog-ball launcher, commonly used in net sessions. He was wearing a helmet at the time.
Specialist paramedics treated him at the scene before he was taken by ambulance to Monash Medical Centre in Clayton in a critical condition and placed on life support.
Floral tributes, cards and cricket bats have been laid at the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club on Thursday morning.
The club said Ben’s parents, Jace and Tracey, wished to thank the emergency services and doctors who cared for him.
“We ask for your continued support in this time of grieving,” the club said.
Tuesday night’s Twenty20 match was organised by the Ringwood and District Cricket Association. President Michael Finn told this masthead on Wednesday that it would provide support to players and officials who were involved.
Deputy Premier Ben Carroll said the government sent their sincere condolences to Ben’s family, sporting clubs and Rowville Secondary College.
“[He was] obviously someone that lit up every room he walked into, was a valued member of his cricket club, of his local school and our thoughts are within his family at this very difficult time.
Carroll, who is also the education minister, said his department was assisting Austin’s classmates and the broader community.
The Victorian cricketing community are paying tribute to the young cricketer on social media.
His former club, Mulgrave Cricket Club, wrote: “Ben was mature beyond his years, a natural leader among his peers.
Ben was injured while training in the cricket nets at Wally Tew Reserve.Credit: Nine News
“On the field, Ben’s work ethic, skill, determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence set him apart as a cricketer. Off the field, his warmth and humility inspired everyone around him.
“He will always be remembered as a shining example of what it means to play the game with heart, integrity, and passion.”
Monbulk Cricket Club said Ben would be remembered for “his passion, sportsmanship, and the positive impact he had both on and off the field, while East Sandringham Cricket Club said club members would wear black armbands in upcoming games.
With Kieran Rooney and Hanna Mills Turbet
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