Australian and Indian players will wear black armbands during the second T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday as a tribute to Ben Austin, a 17-year-old cricketer who tragically passed away on Wednesday after being struck by a ball during training.
Along with wearing the black armbands, a moment’s silence will also be observed in memory of Austin ahead of the match. His image will be shown on the big screen at the MCG, and his favourite song will be played following the tribute.
“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,” Cricket Australia said in a statement on Friday.
The Indian and Australian women’s teams had also sported black armbands during their Women’s ODI World Cup semifinal in Navi Mumbai on Thursday as a tribute to Austin.
Austin was reportedly facing an automatic bowling machine in the nets with a helmet on before a Twenty20 game in Melbourne on Tuesday when he was hit in the head and neck area.
He was rushed to hospital in critical condition and died Wednesday.
“We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community,” the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club said in a statement.
Austin was an emerging bowler and batter, considered by his club as a “star cricketer, great leader and an awesome young man”.
Published on Oct 31, 2025
