Players from both the Indian and Australian teams donned black armbands during the ICC Women's ODI World Cup semi-final in 2025. Prior to the first ball being bowled and before the national anthems echoed through the DY Patil Stadium, a moment of silence was observed. Both teams stood solemnly, heads bowed, honoring a young cricketer whose untimely death has deeply affected the sport. Each player wore a black armband in memory of 17-year-old Ben Austin, who tragically passed away after being struck on the head while batting in the nets.

Tribute to Ben Austin at ICC Women’s World Cup

Austin, a talented young player from Ferntree Gully, was hit on the neck by a ball during a training session at the Wally Tew Reserve. Although he was wearing a helmet, he lacked a stem guard, the small yet v

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