Ferntree Gully Cricket Club reveals touching gestures for late teenage cricketer Ben Austin

Ben Austin has been posthumously named 12th man for Ferntree Gully Cricket Club’s first, second and third XI senior teams on a weekend of fixtures dedicated to his memory.

Ferntree Gully are doing everything they can to pay tribute to the late teenager, who was fatally hit by a ball while warming up for a T20 game last week.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Family and friends gather to remember junior cricketer Ben Austin.

The 17-year-old was facing throwdowns in the nets at his home ground last Tuesday when he was struck before being rushed to hospital in a critical condition. He tragically passed away the next day.

After all senior and junior matches were cancelled last week, this weekend’s round will be known internally as the Ben Austin Memorial Round.

Cricket Victoria has written to all local clubs around the state to consider the same gesture.

“With reference to the tragic passing of Ben Austin, Cricket Victoria has recommended the following memorial to him which SECA supports,” CV said.

“With the support of Ben’s family, and with the clubs and associations most closely connected to him, we are proposing a Memorial Round on the weekend of November 7-9, 2025.

“Clubs and associations who wish to participate are invited to wear black armbands, and observe a minute’s silence before the start of play.

“This is not a directive. Participation is entirely optional. We also recognise that clubs and associations may wish to acknowledge Ben in their own way, and we support all respectful tributes.”

Ferntree Gully first revealed they would dedicate the round to Austin on Thursday.

“Before all games both teams and officials will gather in a circle while we read a short statement reflecting on Ben’s life, followed by a minute’s silence,” the club said.

“Everyone is warmly invited to join the tributes out on the ground with the players.

“Thank you to all of the cricket community for your love and support for Ben’s family and our cricket club. Thank you for remembering Ben.”

At Wally Tew Reserve on Thursday, members of the club gathered around a tribute painted onto the ground, which has Austin’s initials and his player number, 512.

“Tonight our players, committee, volunteers and supporters all gathered around the wonderful ‘BA 512’ painted on our oval by the team from Australian Sportlines Linemarking and Logos,” Ferntree Gully said.

“Thank you, it looks amazing.

“Our coach Josh Henry had a quick few words before we all walked over to the nets to gather in a circle with a minute’s silence to remember Ben. It was really lovely.

“The boys then started training — well done to you all.

“And a big thank you to the committee, to our kitchen and bar staff, and to everyone who turned up.”

One of the club’s teams has already honoured Austin with a pre-game tribute.

“Our FTGCC Super 7s girls’ team played SKLPS Boronia girls’ team at Wally Tew Reserve tonight,” the club wrote on Wednesday.

“Before the game both teams came together to remember our FTGCC player, Ben Austin.

“A small tribute was read out by our Super 7s coach, Andrew Lee, followed by a moment’s silence.

“Thank you to both teams for being so respectful to Ben and his family by wearing black armbands and pausing before your game to think of Ben. Thank you also to the parents, helpers, volunteers and some of our committee for being at the game tonight.”