‘Cherish Ben forever’: dad’s tribute to teen cricketer
Allanah Sciberras, Rachael Ward and Holly Hales |
The devastated father of a teenage cricketer who died after a training accident has described his son as the shining light of their family.
Ben Austin was rushed to hospital in a critical condition on Tuesday after he was struck in the neck by a ball at Ferntree Gully, in Melbourne’s outer east.
The 17-year-old was facing balls in the nets ahead of a T20 match when the injury occurred.
His father Jace revealed a teammate was bowling when the accident occurred.
“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,” Mr Austin said in a statement.
“We would also like to support his teammate who was bowling in the nets – this accident has impacted two young men and our thoughts are with he and his family as well.”
He thanked first responders and hospital staff who worked to save his son.
“We will cherish Ben forever,” he said.
The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club said it was devastated by Ben’s death.
“The impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community,” a spokesman said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family – Jace, Tracey, Cooper and Zach, his extended family, his friends and to all of those who knew Ben and the joy that he brought.”
Flowers, cards, lollies, a drink bottle and cricket bats were laid at the nets as a tribute to the teenager.
The bat was inscribed with several messages including “rest easy Benny” and “forever 14 not out” – a reference to Phillip Hughes and “forever 63 not out” after the former Test star’s death.
Cricket Victoria chief executive Nick Cummins said the cricketing community was devastated and the tragedy struck “very close to the heart” as his son had played with Ben.
“He loved being outdoors, loved being with his friends, and very, very well liked within his cricket club and more broadly with his peers,” Mr Cummins told AAP.
Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football Club, where Ben was a senior player, said the death marked the loss of a truly great young person.
“Ben was a kind, respectful, popular and much-loved player at our club,” the club said in a statement.
“He had a wide network of great friends who will miss him dearly.”
The teenager was involved with the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, Mulgrave Cricket Club and Eildon Park Cricket Club.
In March, he received an award recognising a player who demonstrates dedication and the right attitude to the game.
“I know how heavily this news will land across our community and we will provide any and all support we can to our clubs and cricket family,” Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association president Arnie Walters said.
Ringwood and District Cricket Association president Michael Finn said people at the ground provided medical assistance until paramedics arrived.
The organisation, along with Cricket Victoria, offered its full support to those affected.
“We will stand back and give the family all the love and support that we can at this point in time … it must be an incredibly difficult time,” Mr Finn said.
Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas described Ben’s death as an absolute tragedy and said her thoughts were with his family.
The teenager was taken to the Monash Children’s Hospital by advanced life support and intensive care paramedics.
He died on Thursday morning.
The young cricketer’s death comes more than a decade after Hughes died from injuries sustained when he was struck by a bouncer at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The former Test batter spent two days in hospital after being hit in the neck during a Sheffield Shield match in 2014.
AAP
