Cricketing World Mourns Death of Melbourne Teen Ben Austin

Ben Austin, a 17-year-old Melbourne cricketer, tragically died after being struck in the neck by a ball thrown from a ball-throwing device during practice. Tributes poured in globally from the cricket community, including players from Australia and India who wore black armbands and observed a minute's silence before their T20I match, while domestic teams paid respects by laying bats down and holding moments of silence. The incident, reminiscent of Phillip Hughes' 2014 death, has sparked discussions about safety measures in cricket, particularly regarding the use of stem guards and the safety of ball-throwing devices at community levels. Cricket Victoria and prominent figures like Darren Lehmann expressed shock and emphasized the need for improved safety protocols. The cricket community's response highlighted its solidarity, with fans and players alike sharing condolences and symbolic tributes such as placing cricket bats outside homes. Austin's family received widespread support through initiatives like a GoFundMe page, reflecting the deep impact of the tragedy across the sport worldwide.