Tributes are continuing to flow from around the cricket world after the death of teenager Ben Austin as details of Sean Abott’s touching act for the boy involved in the accidental death emerge.
The 17-year-old Austin was struck by a cricket ball thrown by a side-arm mechanism in the nets in Melbourne’s east on Tuesday and tragically died in hospital on Thursday.
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The news has spread around the world, with a vast number of cricketing identities and clubs paying their respects to his family and friends.
Scores of people have left flowers, notes and cricket gear in a sad tribute to the popular youngster at the nets in Ferntree Gully.
It has now emerged that NSW bowler Sean Abbott has made the trip to Ferntree Gully in Melbourne’s outer east to visit and console the boy who threw the ball that hit Austin.
Abbott, who shares the unique experience the boy is going through by having bowled the delivery that ultimately led to the death of Phillip Hughes in 2014, was in Melbourne for Australia’s T20 international against India on Friday night.
Meanwhile the family of former Test cricketer Phil Hughes, who also died after being struck by a cricket ball just over a decade ago, was also among those reaching out to the Austin family.
“It’s just really gone international and everyone knows about it and it’s good that Ben’s legacy will live on forever,” Ferntree Gully coach Josh Henry told Channel 7.
Around 40 club matches have reportedly been cancelled in Melbourne this weekend, with scores of cricketers instead expected to gather at Austin’s club.
Senior cricketers have also been impacted by the tragedy, with Australia and India players wearing black armbands for their One-Day Cricket World Cup semi-final.
The fourth day of Victoria’s Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania at Junction Oval also commenced with a brief speech from Cricket Victoria chief executive Nick Cummins, a minute’s silence and black armbands for the players.
A tribute is also expected to be observed prior to Friday night’s second T20 between Australia and India at the MCG, where a massive crowd is tipped to attend.
In what should be a time of joy and anticipation in the cricket world, with matches being held all over the country and a huge Ashes series just weeks away, the thoughts of many are on the youngster from Melbourne who loved his cricket, footy and AFL umpiring.
There are talks of increased safety being needed at junior level, with Austin wearing a helmet but not a neck guard in the nets on that fateful day.
But those conversations will be for a later time.
“Cricket is a sport that brings people together, communities together,” Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird said.
“It’s also one that feels very deeply in incidents such as we’ve seen.
“It’s hard to put words on it, what we want to say is we’re doing everything we can to support the family, the club and all those impacted by this tragic news.
“Clearly there are things we have to learn from this, but right now we’re concerned about the family and trying to support them in every way.”
There were tributes and notes of support posted on social media from all corners of the globe.
Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan penned his thoughts on X, writing: “No words can ease the pain of losing someone so young.
“Ben Austin was only 17, with dreams yet to take flight. Thinking of his loved ones and the entire cricket family in this difficult time. Rest in peace, Ben.”
England’s Barmy Army, which will get stuck into Australia in this year’s Ashes, put that all aside and tweeted: “Put your bats out for Ben Austin. A fundraiser has been set up to support the Austin family with the sudden passing of their beloved Ben.
“If you would like to donate, please follow this link. Rest in peace, Ben Austin. Never forgotten.”
The GoFund Me page, which initially had a target of $40,000, is nearing $130,000 at last check.
England great Kevin Pietersen said: “Horrific news of a young 17yr old boy who got struck by a cricket ball in the nets yesterday in Melbourne and sadly passed away.
“Thoughts with all his family and friends.”
The St Kilda footy club wrote: “Sport has a way of bringing us together – a place where we unite as one.
“Our hearts are with the local sporting community as we mourn the loss of young cricketer Ben Austin.
“These moments remind us how precious life and connection truly are.”
Former England captain Michael Vaughan wrote simply: “So sad. RIP Ben.”
Broadcaster and author Mike Carlton offered: “It’s truly marvellous the way the entire cricketing world has joined in sympathy for the loss of young Ben Austin.
“From the UK, from India, from clubs all over Australia … the game has a unique, unquenchable spirit.”
The accounts of the Australian women’s cricket team, the England and Wales Cricket Board, Lord’s and BBL side the Melbourne Renegades were also among those paying their respects to the youngster.
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