Ferntree Gully Cricket Club: Australia and India players, match officials and staffers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) are wearing black armbands in memory of 17-year-old cricketer Ben Austin, who died in Melbourne after being hit by the ball on the neck during training. Players of both the teams also observed the moment of silence before the play started.
Austin died after being hit in the neck while facing a ball-throwing device in a nets session at Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, before playing a local T20 game. Austin was rushed to hospital in critical condition but passed away at Monash Children's Hospital.
"The tribute will include: At approximately 15 minutes before play, both teams will stand with match officials and representatives from Ben’s Cricket Clubs, Cricket Victoria, and Cricket Australia on field, where a moment’s silence will be observed. Ben’s image will be on the big screen. Ben’s favourite song will be played following the tribute. Players from both teams, match officials and the MCG Arenas Team will wear black armbands,” said CA in a statement on Friday.
