'Well played, son': teen cricketer, Ben Austin, farewelled

The 17-year-old Melbourne teen died when a ball struck him in the neck during cricket training in October, 2025.

Transcript

00:00Ben. Andrew. Austin. My best friend.

00:05Ben and I started our journey together in Year 7 orientation and soon grew to become best mates.

00:11Ben was the type of person who'd sacrifice anything for you.

00:14He would always put your best interest before his. After that, he was the best friend I could ask for.

00:22As I look back on all the great memories,

00:25the thing I remember the most is that man's cheeky smile and him running around.

00:30There's no worries in life.

00:35He'd love to run.

00:36I remember Ben used to tell me every Wednesday he'd go for a run just because he was bored.

00:41I'd always assume he'd be like a 2K time drive, footy or something.

00:46But nah, it was a 10-pound run.

00:48He'd just run for a clock.

00:51That's the type of person Benny was.

00:55He was one of the most funniest people I've ever met, but also the nicest.

00:5917 years, 19 days, 5 hours.

01:02You lit up the world.

01:04Your mum and I have never been prouder.

01:07Benny, lend us your strength and spirit so we can keep moving forward in a way that would make you proud.

01:14The best goal you ever scored or four you ever hit wasn't on the field.

01:19It was when your soul chose us as your family.

01:22Very smart, mate.

01:23Choosing to be 90% your mum.

01:25Kindness, warmth, grace and definitely the good looks.

01:29Definitely the good looks.