Australia Women vs India Women: Why players wore black armbands in Women's World Cup semifinal

India and Australia players wore black armbands in their Women’s World Cup semifinal on Thursday to honour 17-year-old Australian cricketer Ben Austin, who died after being struck by a ball during training in Melbourne. The gesture stood out in a tense knockout match, as players paused sport’s competitive edge to remember a young life lost.

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Why the tribute was observed

Austin was hit on the neck while batting at Ferntree Gully Cricket Club on Tuesday. He had a helmet on but no neck guard when the ball, thrown using a side-arm device, struck him. He was put on a ventilator but passed away, drawing parallels to the tragic death of Phil Hughes in 2014.


The club confirmed his passing on Thursday.

Club issues emotional statement

Ferntree Gully Cricket Club posted a heartfelt message and urged the cricket community to place bats outside in his memory.

"The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club sadly wishes to advise of the tragic passing of our player, Ben Austin on 29/10/25.

We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family - Jace, Tracey, Cooper & Zach, his extended family, his friends and to all of those who knew Ben and the joy that he brought. We ask you to please respect the privacy of Ben's family during this time. Jace & Tracey would like to thank Ambulance Vic, the Police, the Monash Children's Hospital and those people who assisted on Tuesday. Further details will be shared as they become known, and we will advise of these through our usual process. We ask for your continued support in this time of grieving. May Ben Rest in Peace.

Ferntree Gully Cricket Club," the post read.

Family remembers a cricket-loving teen

His father, Jace Austin, said cricket was his son’s joy.

"For Tracey and I, Ben was an adored son, deeply loved brother to Cooper and Zach and a shining light in the lives of our family and friends. This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we find some comfort that he was doing something he did for so many summers - going down to the nets with mates to play cricket. He loved cricket and it was one of the joys of his life," as quoted from Wisden.

Cricket Australia reacts

Cricket Australia shared condolences on X.

"Vale Ben Austin. Cricket Australia is devastated at the passing of 17-year-old Melbourne cricketer Ben Austin following an accident while batting in the nets on Tuesday night."

Players in the Sheffield Shield also wore black armbands in tribute.