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The 17-year-old was struck in the neck while batting in the nets in Ferntree Gully on Tuesday and rushed to hospital. Watch Australia vs India T20I Series LIVE and ad-break free during play only on FOX CRICKET, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. Austin, who was wearing a helmet but not a neck guard, was put on life support but tragically died on Thursday. His dad Jace released a statement on behalf of the family, writing: “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.” The horrible incident has reminded many of the death of Aussie Test cricketer Phil Hughes, who was also struck on the neck during a Sheffield Shield match in 2014 and passed away at the age of 25. The Hughes family released a statement late on Thursday following Austin’s death. “We would like to send our deepest condolences to the Austin family for the loss of their adored son and brother, Ben,” the statement read. “Our thoughts are with you, the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club and the greater cricket community as we think of Ben and his love of cricket. “We send our warmest sympathies as you navigate through this time, as we know all too well … and hope your cherished memories of Ben comfort you.” A social media tribute called Put Your Bats Out trended worldwide after Hughes’ death, with cricket players, officials and fans putting their cricket bats out, usually on the front step of their houses in honour of the young New South Welshman. A similar campaign is now spreading for Austin, with his Ferntree Gully Cricket Club leading a social media push with the hashtag #batsoutforben and posting a photo of one of their baggy blue caps along with a Gray Nicholls bat. “Put your bats out for Benny,” the post reads. It then puts his No. 512 and his debut for the first XI, which came on February 1, 2025. Cricket Australia wrote on X: “Vale Ben Austin. Cricket Australia is devastated at the passing of 17-year-old Melbourne cricketer Ben Austin following an accident while batting in the nets on Tuesday night.” Belmont District Cricket Club stated: “Everyone at Belmont District Cricket Club is deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Ben. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Ben’s family, friends, teammates and the entire Fern Tree Gully community during this incredibly difficult time. May Ben rest in peace.” Lysterfield Wolves Junior Football Club posted on Facebook: “Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the heartbreaking loss of Ben Austin. Ben was a much loved part of our local community, and his passing is being felt far and wide. “We’re thinking of all those who knew and loved him, and send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone at the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club and at Waverley Park Football Club. Put your bats out for Benny. “As a show of support and respect, let’s come together as a community and place our bats out at the front of our homes tonight in honour of Ben.” Victorian mum Tanya Hilder posted on Facebook: “As a cricket family this hits home … HARD. Saturday our cricket club will be holding a minute silence and black arm bands in his honour. My heart breaks for this family.” Baxter Cricket Club wrote: “The Baxter Cricket Club joins the wider cricketing community in placing our bats out for Ben Austin — a talented young cricketer whose life was tragically cut short. “Ben’s passion, leadership and spirit touched many and his loss is felt deeply across every club, every team and every heart that beats for the game. “To Ben’s family, friends, teammates and the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club — we stand with you in sorrow and solidarity, as we extend our deepest sympathies. “May the sight of bats resting quietly on porches and pickets remind us all of the joy, courage and connection this game brings. Rest easy, Ben. You will never be forgotten.” Another cricket club wrote: “Vale Ben Austin. Our Bentleigh Cricket Club members stand united in heartfelt condolences for the young lad and passionate cricketer Ben Austin, who died tragically doing what he loved – playing cricket. “This loss has deeply saddened us all and is a reminder of the care we, as a cricket community need to take during practice sessions and game day to keep ourselves and teammates safe. “This weekend, across our junior, men’s and women’s program, black armbands will be worn in respect for Ben who loved the game we all have the privilege of playing. “Our deepest condolences to the family and community at Ferntree Gully Cricket Club. From your friends here at Bentleigh.” It wasn’t just in cricket circles that Austin had made an impact, with the youngster also a keen footy player and umpire. The teenager had made over 100 appearances for the Waverley Park Hawks, finishing under-17 runner-up best and fairest and best finals player for the club in 2025. “Ben was a kind, respectful, popular and much loved player at our club,” the Hawks wrote in a tribute to the youngster. “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. “He was a true Hawks man who was universally loved by the players, coaches and parents. “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.” Ferntree Gully Cricket Club and the Waverley Park Hawks have established a joint GoFund Me page, which has already raised more than $32,000 towards a target of $40,000. The Victoria Amateur Football Association (VAFA) also posted a heartfelt tribute on its website. Austin was an official in the Premier Men’s Reserves grand final, with the VAFA writing ”for a 17-year-old to be trusted with such a role in the top level of our competition highlights his talent and dedication”. VAFA chief executive Jason Reddick said: “It is a shock to everyone to lose such a young, vibrant person in these tragic circumstances. “And on behalf of the entire VAFA community, we send our deepest condolences to Ben’s parents, Tracey and Jace, who is also a much-loved figure around community footy, plus Ben’s brothers Cooper and Zach, along with all who knew and loved Ben. “Ben was a highly regarded person and umpire in our VAFA ranks and we wrap our arms around our tight-knit umpiring team.” VAFA Umpires Association president Michael Evans also said: “There are no other words to describe Ben’s passing than as a tragedy. “This was Ben’s first year as a boundary umpire with the VAFA and he achieved so much in such a short time. “Ben showed much promise, being selected to umpire the Premier Men’s Reserves Grand Final – a significant achievement in his first year with us. “I was fortunate enough to have umpired with Ben through the year and found him to be talented and passionate, with a bright future ahead of him. “It is unsurprising that this has been a consistent message from all those who knew Ben, including his cricket and football clubs. “On behalf of the Umpires Association and all umpires, I send my deepest condolences to Ben’s family at this incredibly difficult time and offer the support of the Association to all those affected by Ben’s passing.” The VAFA tribute went on to right Austin “was clearly a very special young man” and will pay its respects to him at the start of next season.
