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Cricket's Tragic Loss: How Ben Austin's Death Unites World Cup Teams

The cricket world is mourning the tragic loss of 17-year-old Ben Austin. He died after being hit in the neck by a ball during net practice in Melbourne. Both Indian and Australian teams are wearing black armbands throughout their World Cup semi-final as tribute. The teams also made several lineup changes for this crucial match while honoring Austin's memory.

Key Points: India Australia Wear Black Armbands for Ben Austin Tribute

  • Ben Austin died after being struck in neck by cricket ball during net practice
  • He was wearing helmet but lacked protective stem guard at time
  • Paramedics rushed him to hospital where he fought for life overnight
  • Teams made multiple lineup changes for crucial World Cup semi-final match
2 min read

Women's World Cup: India, Australia players wear black armbands in memory of Ben Austin

Indian and Australian players honor 17-year-old Ben Austin who died after being hit by cricket ball during training. Teams unite in tribute during Women's World Cup semi-final.

"We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community. - Ferntree Gully Cricket Club"

Navi Mumbai, Oct 30

Members of the Indian and Australian teams will be sporting a black armband throughout their semi-final encounter of the Women's World Cup in memory of Ben Austin, a 17-year-old Aussie teen who died in Melbourne after being hit by the ball on the neck during training.

Austin was practising in the nets ahead of a T20 match when he was hit in the neck by a ball during training at Ferntree Gully, in front of his teammates. Advanced life support and intensive care paramedics rushed him to the hospital in critical condition on Tuesday. After fighting for his life for a day, he passed away on Wednesday.

The balls were delivered by sidearm, also known as 'wanger,' in preparation for a T20 match. Although he was wearing a helmet, it lacked a stem guard.

"We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community. 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," the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club said in a statement on Thursday.

Speaking of the match, India and Australia both made quite a few changes to their side for the all-important clash. While Georgia Voll and Georgia Wareham made way for skipper Alyssa Healy and Sophie Molineux in the Aussie XI, India made three changes to form a formidable XI.

With Pratika Rawal being ruled out of the tournament after sustaining an injury in the previous game against Bangladesh, the hosts added Shafali Verma to the squad and have instantly roped her into the XI, pairing her with Smriti Mandhana at the top of the order.

Besides the opener, Richa Ghosh and Kranti Gaud also made their way into the XI, with Harleen Deol and Uma Chetry being rested.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is why proper safety gear is so crucial in cricket. Even with a helmet, the neck area remains vulnerable. BCCI and state associations should mandate complete protective equipment during practice sessions. Safety first always!
S
Sarah B
As an Australian living in India, this gesture means so much. Cricket truly brings nations together in moments of grief. Beautiful tribute by both teams 🇮🇳🤝🇦🇺
A
Arjun K
While the tribute is touching, I hope this tragic incident leads to concrete safety reforms in cricket training worldwide. Too many young talents have been lost to preventable accidents. Let Ben's legacy be improved safety standards.
M
Meera T
Can't imagine what his family must be going through. At 17, he had his whole life ahead. The cricket community worldwide stands with them. May his soul rest in peace 🕊️
V
Vikram M
Good to see Shafali Verma back in the team! But more importantly, this shows cricket is more than just a game - it's about humanity and compassion. Proud of both teams for this gesture.

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