Before the Australia–India T20I at the MCG, both teams, officials, and club representatives observed a minute of silence and wore black armbands to honour Ben Austin.
Seventeen-year-old Melbourne cricketer Ben Austin died after being hit in the neck during net practice at Ferntree Cricket Club. The incident occurred when a ball delivered by a sidearm struck him while he was batting. He was placed on life support but passed away on Thursday morning.
Before the ongoing Australia–India T20I at the MCG, both teams, officials, and representatives from Ben Austin’s clubs observed a minute of silence. His image appeared on the big screen, and his cap was displayed on a plinth in the outfield. Players and match officials also wore black armbands as a mark of respect for the 17-year-old.
A minute of silence was observed at the MCG following the tragic passing of Ben Austin ❤️ pic.twitter.com/xly79nAgcg
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 31, 2025
Earlier, during the women’s World Cup semi-final, both Australia and India wore black armbands in his memory. In the Sheffield Shield matches ending Friday, teams paid respects by placing bats outside dressing rooms and holding a minute’s silence before play resumed at Junction Oval in Melbourne.
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Cricket boards and players across the world have shared their condolences. Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria are extending support to Austin’s family and clubs.
The tragedy has drawn parallels to the 2014 incident involving Phillip Hughes, who also lost his life after being struck in the neck. Hughes’ family joined others in offering sympathy, remembering Ben Austin as a promising young player loved within his community.
Last Updated on October 31, 2025
