CRICKET
By LIAM DURKIN
THE tragic death of young cricketer Ben Austin had an unfortunate local connection.
Austin died after being struck by a ball during the warm-up before a match at Ferntree Gully in Melbourne’s east last week.
His school coach Darren Berry is from Wonthaggi, and taught the promising 17-year-old at Rowville Secondary College Sports Academy.
Berry, who played more than 150 first class games, has lived through cricket’s hell multiple times.
He was coach of South Australia when Phil Hughes was felled, and with Victorian player David Hookes the night he died after being punched during an altercation.
The cricket world united in grief at the weekend, with tributes flowing for young Ben.
Local cricket legend Barry Switzer sent in the following:
“Absolutely shocked by the terrible accident to young Ben Austin. As a lifelong cricket lover and participant in many ways – my late wife Loretta, Grantley, Travis and I – life members of Gormandale Cricket Club, also GCL (Gippsland Cricket League) and GippSport, I say this because of the love we have for the great game. Just can’t imagine the grief of the family, club and association.”
Players observed a minute’s silence before matches across the state.
A GoFundMe has been established to help the family. Those wishing to donate can visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/vale-ben-austin
In memoriam: A bat inscribed with two of the most tragic cricket deaths, sent in by local cricket legend Barry Switzer.
