A poignant moment unfolded at the MCG ahead of the 2nd T20I as players from India and Australia stood in silence to honour Ben Austin, the 17-year-old Melbourne cricketer who tragically passed away earlier this week following a training accident.
Austin suffered a fatal neck injury during a net session at Wally Tew Reserve on Tuesday night. Despite being rushed to Monash Children’s Hospital, he could not be saved. He was wearing a helmet, but not a stem guard — a heartbreaking reminder of the 2014 tragedy involving Phil Hughes.
Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins confirmed that Austin was struck on the neck by a ball delivered through a sidearm throwdown device. His parents, Jace and Tracey, said they find comfort knowing he was doing what he loved — batting in the nets with friends.
Flowers and tributes have since been placed at the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, where Austin played since childhood, as the cricket community rallies in grief.
Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird said, “The cricket community is heartbroken once again.”
Today’s tribute from both teams reflects cricket’s united spirit in mourning the loss of a promising young player and supporting his grieving family, teammates, and club.
A cap placed on a podium stood symbolically on the field as players bowed their heads in respect — a powerful moment of solidarity, silence, and sorrow in world cricket.
