Young cricketer Ben Austin’s death ruled a tragic accident

October 16, 2026 — 10:59amYoung cricketer Ben Austin died by “misadventure”, a coroner investigating the 17-year-old’s death has said.Just weeks from the first anniversary of Austin’s death his parents, Jace and Tracey, arrived at the Coroners Court of Victoria on Friday for a brief directions hearing into their son’s death.Junior cricketer Ben Austin died in a training accident.Ferntree Gully Cricket ClubCoroner Simon McGregor revealed he will not be making any adverse findings or recommendations about the circumstances surrounding the incident.He said no individual or organisation had contributed to Austin’s death and it was “a misadventure by well-meaning young people using proper equipment, using equipment that was proper, using it properly, in a caring well-run club”.Ben’s parents Tracey and Jace Austin outside the coroners court.Wayne TaylorAustin died in hospital after being hit in the neck by an accidental full toss while training with a friend in cricket nets at Ferntree Gully on October 28 last year.Ben’s parents said outside court they were comforted to learn there would be no changes made to the game their son loved.Reviews remain underway across Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia into broader governance and the way potential safety risks are communicated.Tracey and Jace Austin speak after a coroner said their teenage son Ben died by “misadventure”.Wayne TaylorBen’s death triggered an outpouring of grief across the local, domestic and international cricket communities.The MCG crowd observed a moment of silence in tribute to Ben ahead of the Twenty20 international between Australia and India the day after his death.At the Junction Oval, Victorian and Tasmanian cricketers led tributes during a Sheffield Shield match, lining the field with their bats and caps.More to comeStart the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.Bridget McArthur is a sports affairs reporter at The Age, covering the intersection of sports and politics/business/economy/society.Connect via X or email.From our partners