Tribute Sparks: Black Armbands Worn by Aussies & Indians in T20I Clash

During the second T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, Australian and Indian players will don black armbands to honor Ben Austin, a 17-year-old cricketer who tragically lost his life on Wednesday after being hit by a ball during training.

In addition to wearing black armbands, a moment of silence will be observed in Austin’s memory prior to the match. His photo will be displayed on the MCG’s big screen, and his favorite song will play following the tribute.

“Approximately 15 minutes before the game begins, both teams will join match officials and representatives from Ben’s Cricket Clubs, Cricket Victoria, and Cricket Australia on the field,” announced Cricket Australia in a statement on Friday.

The Indian and Australian women’s teams had previously worn black armbands during their Women’s ODI World Cup semifinal in Navi Mumbai on Thursday to pay tribute to Austin.

Reports indicate that Austin was practicing with an automatic bowling machine while wearing a helmet before a Twenty20 game in Melbourne on Tuesday when he was struck in the head and neck area.

He was urgently taken to the hospital in critical condition and passed away on Wednesday.

“We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impact of his death will resonate throughout our cricket community,” stated the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club.

Austin was recognized as an emerging bowler and batter, regarded by his club as a “star cricketer, great leader, and an outstanding young man.