SYDNEY – The Australian cricket community is in deep shock and mourning today following the tragic death of 17-year-old cricketer, Ben Austin. The young player passed away yesterday after being struck on the neck by a ball during a practice session in Melbourne East.
As a mark of respect for the tragedy, a minute’s silence was observed before the start of play on the final day of the Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Tasmania at Melbourne’s Junction Oval.
Players wore black armbands to honor the young cricketer, and in a poignant gesture, cricket bats were leaned against the ground’s fence.
The mourning was not confined to Melbourne; tributes were also paid during Sheffield Shield matches in Brisbane and Perth.
The tragedy was also acknowledged on the international stage, where the Indian and Australian women’s teams wore black armbands during their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup semi-final.
