WATCH: Indian and Australian players pay heartfelt tribute to teenager Ben Austin during the AUS vs IND T20I at MCG

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A sombre atmosphere enveloped the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ahead of the 2nd T20I between India and Australia, as players from both teams, along with match officials and MCG staff, wore black armbands and stood for a one-minute silence in memory of 17-year-old cricketer Ben Austin.

The tragic death of the young Australian came earlier in the week after he was struck on the neck during a training session at Ferntree Gully Cricket Club in Melbourne. Despite wearing a helmet, Austin was not wearing neck protection, a detail that tragically echoed the loss of Phillip Hughes in 2014. The incident has shocked the cricket community, with tributes flowing from around the globe, honoring the teen’s short but promising career.

The MCG tribute followed similar acts of respect across other cricket formats. Indian and Australian women’s teams had already paid tribute during the ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, wearing black armbands in memory of Austin. On Friday, in Sheffield Shield matches, players from Victoria and Tasmania honored the teenager, pausing for a moment of silence before continuing their match at St Kilda’s Junction Oval.

The tribute was echoed in Perth as players from Western Australia and South Australia also observed a one-minute silence. Outside the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, flowers and cricket bats were placed as memorials to Austin, turning the location into a touching tribute site. The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for enhanced on-field safety measures, especially concerning the use of neck protection, as cricketers are reminded of the risks they face, irrespective of their age or level.

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The MCG crowd fell silent on Friday night, joining the emotional tribute to Austin just ahead of the AUS vs IND T20I. The 17-year-old, who tragically passed away while training on Tuesday, was honored with a moment of silence before the match. Austin’s image appeared on the big screen, and his baggy blue cap was placed on the turf, further personalizing the tribute.

Following the silence, his favorite song was played, with representatives from his clubs, Eildon Park and Ferntree Gully, accompanying the players on the field. Austin was supposed to be batting for Eildon Park at the very moment his tribute was being held at the MCG, a poignant reminder of what was lost. The tribute not only honored the teenager’s memory but also underscored the deep connection within the cricketing community, coming together to mourn the loss of a bright young talent.

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