Ben Austin died in a cricketing tragedy. His parents blame no-one | 7.30

Key Concepts

• Traumatic Cricket Injury: The accidental death of 17-year-old Ben Austin due to being struck by a cricket ball in the neck during practice.
• Grief and Loss: The profound emotional impact of Ben’s death on his family, friends, and the cricket community.
• Safety in Junior Cricket: The debate surrounding mandatory safety equipment, specifically neck guards, for junior cricketers.
• Community Support: The outpouring of support from the cricket and football communities following Ben’s death.
• Coping Mechanisms: The ways in which Ben’s family and friends are processing their grief and preserving his memory.
• Sidearm/Thrower: A training tool used in cricket to deliver balls at higher speeds, implicated in the accident.
• Intracranial Hemorrhage: The medical cause of death, a bleeding within the skull.

The Loss of Ben Austin: A Community’s Grief and a Safety Debate

This account details the tragic death of 17-year-old Ben Austin, a promising young cricketer and football player, following an accident during a cricket practice session at Fernree Gully Cricket Club in Melbourne. The narrative focuses on the impact of his loss on his family, particularly his parents Jace and Tracy, and the wider community, while also raising questions about safety protocols in junior cricket.

The Incident and Immediate Aftermath

On October 27th, Ben Austin was fatally struck in the neck by a cricket ball delivered by a teammate using a sidearm (also known as a thrower) during practice nets. A sidearm is a training tool used to increase bowling speed. Jace Austin, Ben’s father, arrived at the ground moments after the incident and immediately recognized the severity of the situation. Despite immediate medical attention, Ben was pronounced dead at the scene. He was transported to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne where he was kept alive for three days, allowing his family precious final moments.

Jace recounts the agonizing experience of realizing his son was gone, despite initial reports of a heartbeat. He describes the support provided by a police officer who helped him maintain focus during the initial shock. Tracy, Ben’s mother, speaks of the hope she clung to, even as doctors confirmed Ben was brain dead. The ICU doctor explained that even with protective gear, the specific impact point and force might not have been preventable.

Grief, Remembrance, and Legacy

The narrative powerfully portrays the family’s grief and their efforts to cope with the loss. Both Jace and Tracy describe the special moments they shared with Ben in his final days, emphasizing the importance of simply being present with him, playing his favorite music, and cherishing his memory. Jace continues a daily routine of visiting Ben’s room, speaking to him, and feeling his presence.

Ben is remembered as a kind, caring, and cheerful individual who had a positive impact on everyone he met. His character is highlighted through anecdotes about his interactions with others, his willingness to help, and his ability to make people laugh. His future aspirations included becoming a Physical Education teacher. The family is finding solace in the overwhelming support from the community, evidenced by the numerous messages and tributes received from cricket and football clubs, umpires, and the general public.

Community Response and Support

The Fernree Gully Cricket Club has rallied around the Austin family and the teammate who delivered the fatal ball. The club has provided emotional support to the young bowler, offering him Ben’s bat and shirt, and designating him as Jace’s “cricket son.” Regular check-ins are conducted to monitor his well-being.

The cricket community as a whole mourned Ben’s death, drawing parallels to the 2014 tragedy involving former Test cricketer Phil Hughes, who died after being struck by a bouncer. Following Hughes’ death, Cricket Australia mandated neck guards for batters in first-class cricket, but these rules do not extend to junior levels.

Safety Concerns and Ongoing Investigation

Ben’s death has reignited the debate surrounding safety measures in junior cricket, specifically the use of neck guards. While Ben’s parents acknowledge the doctor’s assessment that a neck guard might not have prevented the injury, the tragedy has prompted other junior cricket clubs to consider making them mandatory. Fernree Gully Cricket Club is currently prioritizing the welfare of its members and awaiting the findings of the coroner’s investigation before making any changes to its safety protocols.

The coroner is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Ben’s death. A medical examiner’s report determined that Ben died from an intracranial hemorrhage caused by a traumatic injury to the left side of his neck.

Continuing Ben’s Spirit

Despite their immense grief, the Austin family is determined to keep Ben’s memory alive. Jace encourages Ben’s younger brother, Zach, to continue playing cricket, emphasizing that it’s what Ben would have wanted. Zach, after initially questioning whether he should continue, affirmed his desire to play, embodying Ben’s spirit and passion for the game. The family believes that the outpouring of support and the preservation of Ben’s legacy will help them navigate their loss and honor his life.

Notable Quote:

“Measure with your heart. Measure with your heart.” – Repeated phrase reflecting Ben’s character and the importance of kindness and compassion.

Technical Terms:

• Sidearm/Thrower: A cricket training tool used to deliver balls at higher speeds.
• Intracranial Hemorrhage: Bleeding within the skull, the medical cause of Ben’s death.
• Bouncer: A fast, short-pitched delivery in cricket, relevant due to the Phil Hughes incident.

Conclusion:

This account is a deeply moving portrayal of loss, grief, and community support. It highlights the devastating impact of a tragic accident and raises important questions about safety in junior cricket. The Austin family’s resilience and their commitment to preserving Ben’s memory serve as a powerful testament to the enduring power of love and the importance of community in times of profound sorrow. The narrative underscores the need for continued dialogue and evaluation of safety protocols to protect young athletes while honoring the spirit of the game.