What Happened

Ben Austin, a 17-year-old cricketer, died on ⁣Thursday morning after being struck by a ball during ⁢net practice at Ferntree Gully in Melbourne, Australia.He was transported to‌ Monash Children’s Hospital⁤ in critical condition ⁤following ⁤the incident and was placed ​on life support. ​Despite medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries.

Austin​ was wearing a helmet⁤ at the time of the‌ incident, but it lacked a stem guard,‍ a protective component designed to shield ‌the back of the head and neck.The circumstances surrounding the impact are currently under review.

Family Statement

Ben Austin’s father, Jace Austin, released a statement expressing the‌ family’s profound grief.”We are utterly devastated by the passing‌ of our ⁣stunning Ben, who died earlier on Thursday morning,” he said.

“For Tracey ⁤and I, Ben was‍ an adored son, deeply‍ loved⁢ brother to⁤ Cooper and‌ Zach and a shining light in​ the lives of our family and friends. This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we find some comfort that he was doing something​ he did for so many summers ‍- going down‍ to the nets with mates ⁢to play cricket.He⁢ loved cricket and it was one of the joys of his life.”

The family also extended their support‌ to the‌ teammate who⁤ was bowling during the practice​ session,acknowledging the ⁣impact of the accident on both young men and their families. ⁤”We would ⁢also like to support his team-mate who was bowling in the nets -​ this​ accident has impacted two⁢ young men and our thoughts are with ​he and his​ family as well.”

Club and ‍Community‌ Response

Ferntree Gully Cricket Club issued ⁤a statement conveying their devastation. “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 Importance of Stem Guards

This tragic incident ‍has reignited discussions about ‌the importance of stem guards‌ in cricket helmets. While helmets are mandatory in many⁣ forms of the game, stem guards⁣ are often optional. Cricket Australia recommends the use of⁤ stem guards, particularly for batters facing pace bowling, but does not mandate them across all levels of ⁣the sport. Cricket ‌Australia outlines safety recommendations regarding stem guards on their website.

Stem guards provide additional protection to the vulnerable area at the base of the skull,​ were a direct impact can cause serious injury. The lack of⁢ a stem guard in this case highlights the potential risks associated with not‍ utilizing all available protective equipment.

Timeline of Events

• February 6, 2024: Ben ⁤Austin ‌is struck‌ by a ball during net practice at Ferntree Gully Cricket Club.
• February 6, 2024: Austin is taken to Monash Children’s Hospital in critical condition ‌and placed on life support.
• February 8, 2024: Ben Austin dies in hospital.
• February ‍8, ​2024: Family ⁤and Ferntree Gully Cricket‌ Club release​ statements.