Cricket fans are showering the Indian women’s team with praise after they wore black armbands against Australia on Thursday night for 17-year-old Aussie Ben Austin, who was killed in a tragic accident in Melbourne this week. The Victorian teenager was struck by a ball while practising in the nets on Tuesday afternoon in Ferntree Gully in Melbourne’s east.
Austin was rushed to hospital, but he died on Thursday morning. It’s understood the youngster was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, and the bowler was using a ‘wanger’ – a plastic instrument used to sling a ball towards a batter.
On Thursday night, the Australian women’s cricket team wore black armbands during their World Cup semi-final loss to India. And in an extremely classy move, the Indian team did the same to show their respect.
The Australian and Indian women’s teams (R) both wore black armbands for Ben Austin (L). Image: Cricket Victoria/Getty
The Australian Women’s Cricket team wrote on social media: “Thanks to the Indian team for joining us in wearing black armbands to pay tribute to Ben Austin, a young man from Melbourne who tragically lost his life playing the game we all love. Sending love to Ben’s friends, family and cricket mates.”
Fans commended India for the poignant gesture. “Just shows that cricket is the world game that brings people together. Good on team India for their show of compassion,” one person wrote. Another added: “Solidarity from the cricket world. So heartbreaking to hear this news.”
Phillip Hughes’ family release statement
On Thursday night, Phillip Hughes’ family released a statement to wish Austin’s family their condolences. Hughes died in 2014 at the age of 25 after he was struck during a Sheffield Shield game between South Australia and NSW.
“We would like to send our deepest condolences to the Austin family for the loss of their adored son and brother, Ben,” the statement from the Hughes family 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.”
Ben Austin and Phillip Hughes were both killed in similar circumstances. Image: Cricket Victoria/Getty
Ben’s father Jace said he and his wife Tracey are devastated and would forever cherish their son. “Ben was an adored son, deeply loved brother to Cooper and Zach and a shining light in the lives of our family and friends,” he said in a statement.
“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.”
Merv Hughes speaks out after tragic death of Ben Austin
Australian cricket legend Merv Hughes said the young athlete’s death had been felt far beyond his community. “It doesn’t matter what level of cricket you play, there’s always a chance that something like this happens,” he said on Thursday. “Right across Australia and throughout the world, no doubt people will be thinking of him.
“I don’t want to sound dismissive at all – it’s just tragic – but probably the records show there’s more chance of being hit by lightning than there is of dying through an incident at cricket. So let’s not be too hasty in judging what should and shouldn’t be done.”
Flowers and tributes for Ben Austin at Ferntree Gully Cricket Club. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)
Morners arrive with flowers to the cricket training facility at Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully. (AAP Image/James Ross)
Friend and teammate Liam Vertigan said Ferntree Gully Cricket Club was in a state of shock. “He lived and breathed his cricket,” Mr Vertigan told AAP. “He was just well loved by us all, very, very polite, always with a smile on his face.”
Dozens of heartbroken young cricketers went to Ferntree Gully Cricket Club on Thursday to pay tribute to their teammate who never came home. Dozens of flower bouquets, sweet treats and a handful of cricket bats were left by grieving friends at a memorial for the teen.
with AAP