A minute\u2019s silence will be held to remember young cricketer Ben Austin as the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club holds a memorial round in his honour this weekend.<\/p>\n
The 17-year-old was fatally struck by a cricket ball warming up in the nets before a T20 game last week, shaking the cricketing world.<\/p>\n
Cricket Victoria cancelled matches across the state last week and will resume this weekend for the Ben Austin Memorial Round.<\/p>\n
The sporting association invited clubs and associations to wear black armbands and observe a minute\u2019s silence before games. <\/p>\n
The Ferntree Gully club has also named Ben as the 12th man for its senior team this weekend.<\/p>\n
Members gathered for a minute\u2019s silence to remember Ben before training at Wally Tew Reserve on Thursday, with his initials and player number BA 512 painted on the club grounds one week after the horror accident.<\/p>\n
\u201cTonight our players, committee, volunteers and supporters all gathered around the wonderful \u2018BA 512\u2019 painted on our oval by the team from Australian Sportlines Linemarking and Logos,\u201d a club spokesman said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, it looks amazing.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur coach Josh Henry had a quick few words before we all walked over to the nets to gather in a circle with a minute\u2019s silence to remember Ben.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was really lovely.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe boys then started training \u2013 well done to you all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Club president Lee Thompson described Thursday\u2019s tribute as \u201can incredibly healing moment\u201d.
\u201cWe\u2019re a cricket club, ultimately, and we\u2019ve got to get on and play cricket again,\u201d Thompson told Nine News.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn honour of Ben, I think that\u2019s what we need to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Before all games on Saturday players, officials and spectators will huddle in a circle to observe a minute\u2019s silence and listen to a statement reflecting on Ben\u2019s life.<\/p>\n
Cricket Victoria has written to all local clubs around the state to consider the same gesture.<\/p>\n
\u201cClubs and associations who wish to participate are invited to wear black armbands, and observe a minute\u2019s silence before the start of play,\u201d CV said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is not a directive. Participation is entirely optional. We also recognise that clubs and associations may wish to acknowledge Ben in their own way, and we support all respectful tributes.\u201d<\/p>\n