Australian teen cricketer dies after ball strikes neck during training session

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The cricket community is mourning the loss of one of its own after a 17-year-old Australian died after being struck in the neck by a ball during practice, the country’s national governing body for the sport confirmed Thursday. 

Ben Austin was training at Ferntree Gully in east Melbourne Tuesday when he was struck in the neck by a ball. He was rushed to a hospital in critical condition and placed on "advanced life support," Cricket Australia said. 

The Australian cricket team observes a moment of silence for Ben Austin during game two of the T20 International series between Australia and India at Melbourne Cricket Ground Oct. 31, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

He succumbed to his injuries Wednesday. 

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"We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community," Ferntree Gully Cricket Club said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family … his friends and to all of those who knew Ben and the joy that he brought."

Austin’s father also released a statement Thursday. 

"We are utterly devastated by the passing of our beautiful Ben, who died earlier on Thursday morning," Jace Austin’s statement said. "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.

People look at tributes left at the cricket nets in memory of promising 17-year-old Australian cricketer Ben Austin, who died in Melbourne Oct. 30, 2025, after being struck by a ball two days earlier (William West/AFP via Getty