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A Star News Group Publication
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Cricketer Ben Austin died after he was injured during a net session in Melbourne. (Ferntree Gully Cricket Club)
Tributes have flowed for cricketer with messages and memories left of cricket bats at the club. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)
Forever 14 not out Shock and heartbreak have reverberated through the cricket community in the days since a young Ferntree Gully cricket player was taken far too soon. Ben Austin, 17, is being remembered as passionate, a leader both on and off the field and mature beyond his years. Undefeated on 14 in his final innings, Ben will remain 14 not out forever. Those who had the privilege to know and play alongside him told Star Mail it was an honour to have been able to do so, as well as watch Ben strive to be the best person and player he could be. The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club confirmed on Thursday 30 October the death of the beloved player after an injury in the cricket nets saw him rushed to hospital. “We are absolutely devastated by the passing
of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community,” the club said in a statement. “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.” Ringwood and District Cricket Association president Michael Finn told AAP the teenager was warming up in the nets ahead of a T20 match when the catastrophic injury occurred in front of his teammates. “Medical assistance was provided by people at the ground at the time until the paramedics arrived,” he says. Mr Finn says the organisation, along with Cricket Victoria, continues to offer its full support to those affected. “We will stand back and give the family all the love and support that we can at this
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the FTGDCA has ensured his loss is heavily felt throughout the wider cricket community. The teenager died on Wednesday at Monash Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. Clubs from around the region passed on their condolences to the entire Ferntree Gully Cricket community and the family and friends of Ben. “Ben’s passing is a heartbreaking loss to the local cricket community. Our thoughts are with everyone at Ferntree Gully during this incredibly difficult time,” Monbulk Cricket Club said. “May Ben be remembered for his passion, sportsmanship, and the positive impact he had both on and off the field.” “We extend our most heartfelt condolences to all of Ben’s friends, family, teammates and FTGCC members and community. A heartbreaking loss that is being felt far and wide. Thinking of you all in this toughest of times,” Mooroolbark Cricket Club said.
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point in time... it must be an incredibly difficult time,” he added. “We need to stand back now and give the family the time, space and respect, they need to process the situation.” Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association president Arnie Walters expressed his deep sorrow and shock at the passing of player Ben Austin. “All of our thoughts, prayers and love are with Ben’s family at a time of unimaginable grief. Ben – who was both talented and popular in local cricket – is an enormous loss to our local community.” “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.” Mr Walters confirmed Ben was actively involved in the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, Mulgrave Cricket Club and Eildon Park Cricket Club. His participation in representative cricket for
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By Mikayla van Loon, with AAP
chandlerandco.com.au