Ben Austin teenage cricketer death: Spotlight turns to training aids as coaches call for better guidelines

The coroner will probe the training incident that led to the death of young cricketer Ben Austin as coaches warn better guidelines are required for bowling devices.

A spotlight has been cast on the safety of cricket after the death of the Ferntree Gully teenager who was struck on the neck by an accidental full toss while training with friends on Tuesday. He died later in hospital.

While doctors have declared the sport safe and Austin’s death a freak occurrence, coaches are debating the use of “ wangers ”, a training aid that dispenses the cricket ball at varying speeds and lengths.

Police will prepare a report on Austin’s death for the coroner, who can investigate the cause of death but also make recommendations about safety issues.

Cricket Victoria have said they will look at ho