Melbourne Mourns Talented Teen Cricketer
Thousands of mourners gathered at Melbourne's Junction Oval on Thursday morning to farewell 17-year-old cricketer Ben Austin, whose life was tragically cut short three weeks ago when he was struck by a cricket ball during warm-ups for a T20 match.
The beloved teenager from Ferntree Gully Cricket Club was preparing for a local match when the fatal incident occurred. Teammates immediately rushed to his aid before paramedics transported him to hospital in critical condition, where he later passed away.
Emotional Farewell at Cricket's Traditional Home
The grandstand at Junction Oval was packed to capacity, while close friends and family members were seated directly on the turf to honour the young sportsman. The venue held special significance as the traditional home of Victorian cricket, reflecting Ben's deep love for the sport.
The service began at 11am, symbolically matching the traditional first ball time of a cricket match. Ben's coffin featured the Collingwood Magpies logo and their famous black and white stripes, paying tribute to his passion for the AFL club.
On top of the casket rested a signed Collingwood jersey, the club's 2023 Premiership cup, an AFL Sherrin football inscribed with 'forever 17', and a portrait of the vibrant teenager.
A Life Celebrated Through Sport and Family
Ben Austin was remembered as a multi-talented sportsman who had played in representative cricket teams, demonstrated skill as a junior footballer, and showed promise as an umpire in the VAFA. Both his cricket and football clubs honoured him by leaving signed jumpers on his coffin.
Grandfather David Austin was the first to speak, sharing heartfelt stories of Ben's childhood and his sporting ambitions. "Benny, Benny my No.1 main man. Poppy loves you, rest in peace, champion," he emotionally concluded.
Father Jace Austin delivered a moving tribute, noting his son had "lit up the world" during his 17 years, 19 days and 5 hours of life. "Your mum and I have never been prouder. Benny, lend us your strength and spirit so we can keep moving forward in a way that would make you proud," he said.
The family created a touching acrostic poem using letters from Ben's name to describe his qualities: Beautiful, brave, bouncy; Eternal, everlasting, elite encourager; Nurturing and naughty.
Mother Tracey's tribute, read by the funeral director, expressed the family's profound grief: "How do I do life without you? This is just a bad dream I can't wake from."
Community Remembers a Rising Star
Ferntree Gully captain and coach Josh revealed he had nearly selected a 13-year-old Ben for the firsts team, demonstrating the teenager's exceptional talent and determination. "He loved cricket and loved life. In many ways, he was the perfect young man," Josh said through tears. "Coaches aren't meant to have favourites, but you were mine."
Best friends Cooper and Hudson remembered Ben's "cheeky smile" and remarkable athletic ability, describing him as "one of the funniest and nicest, as well as most athletic person you will ever see."
The service concluded with the entire crowd singing Collingwood's team anthem before Ben's coffin was carried to a hearse while the New Radicals' "You Get What You Give" played through the speakers. A final lap of Junction Oval preceded a guard of honour formed by the Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football Club.
The cricketing community has rallied around the Austin family, with more than $180,000 raised to support them through this tragedy. The accident has drawn parallels to the 2014 death of Test cricketer Phillip Hughes, who was similarly struck by a cricket ball during a Sheffield Shield match.
