'Our thoughts are with you...'- Statement from Phillip Hughes family on the tragic death of 17-year-old cricketer

To protect cricketers from all possible threats, modern cricket has multiple facilities, including guards to protect a batter's vital organs. But still, the death of a 17-year-old cricketer, Ben Austin, proved how dangerous this game can be. During a practice session, a ball hit his neck, which caused a tragic death. When the news broke out, it shook the entire cricket community. The family of Phillip Hughes, who suffered the situation before, released a heartfelt statement on the incident. 

"We would like to send our deepest condolences to the Austin family for the loss of their adored son and brother, Ben. Our thoughts are with you, the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, and the greater cricket community as we think of Ben and his love of cricket," the statement reads. 

"We send our warmest sympathies as you navigate through this time, as we know all too well… and hope your cherished memories of Ben comfort you.”

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The tragic death of Phil Hughes:

Cricket fans still can remember the incident of Phil Hughes. It was like an alarm on which the entire cricket committee then responded. After the incident, cricket governing bodies across the globe took several steps to protect each and every cricketer at any cost. 

On 25 November 2014, Hughes was playing for South Australia against New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). When he was batting on an unbeaten 63, a delivery from Sean Abbott, a fast bowler for NSW, struck on the left side of his neck. The area was without any protection. The impact caused a rare but catastrophic injury known as vertebral artery dissection, leading to bleeding in the brain. Hughes immediately collapsed on the pitch and was taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney. He was under consistent medical observation, but that proved not enough to save his life. At the age of only 25, Phil Hughes passed away. 

Who was Ben Austin?

Ben Austin was an emerging cricketer from Melbourne who was just 17 years old. During a practice session, a ball hit the neck earlier this week. According to media reports, he collapsed on the ground after the ball hit his neck. The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club confirmed his death on the morning of October 30. Despite providing relentless medical support, he passed away. 

“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, and Zach; his extended family; his friends; and all of those who knew Ben and the joy that he brought.” The club stated in a statement.