MCG Pays Tribute to 17-Year-Old Cricketer Ben Austin During India-Australia 2nd T20I

A moving tribute at the Melbourne Cricket Ground preceded the second T20I between India and Australia on Thursday.

As players, fans, and officials honoured 17-year-old Victorian cricketer Ben Austin — who tragically passed away after being struck by a cricket ball during practice earlier in the week. Fifteen minutes before play, both teams stood together at the centre of the ground alongside umpires, representatives from Ben’s clubs, Cricket Victoria, and Cricket Australia. A hushed MCG — packed with tens of thousands of fans — observed a minute of silence as players linked arms and bowed their heads in remembrance of the young cricketer whose life ended far too soon.

Ben’s smiling image, displayed on the stadium’s giant screens, captured him in his club colours — a reminder of his passion for the game. As the silence concluded, one of Ben’s favourite songs played through the speakers, drawing an emotional round of applause from the crowd.

Players from both sides and match officials wore black armbands throughout the game in Ben’s memory. Some were visibly moved as they joined the tribute. Ben Austin was hit in the neck by a ball during a training session at Ferntree Gully on Tuesday afternoon. Though wearing a helmet, he wasn’t using a neck guard. The ball, delivered from a handheld launcher, struck an unprotected area — a freak accident that drew heartbreaking parallels with the death of Phillip Hughes in 2014.

Emergency responders arrived quickly, and Ben was rushed to hospital in critical condition. Despite doctors’ efforts, he passed away on Thursday, two days later. His father, Jace Austin, said the family was “utterly devastated” by the loss of “our beautiful Ben,” describing him as “a shining light” and “an adored son and brother.” “Ben loved cricket — it was his joy. We find comfort in knowing he was doing what he loved, surrounded by his mates,” he said.

As play began under the MCG floodlights, cricket took on a quieter, more reflective tone. For a few moments, the noise and rivalry gave way to unity and remembrance — for a young boy who lived for the game and whose spirit will forever remain part of it.