Teenage cricketer dies in Melbourne after being hit by ball

An Australian teenager has died after he was hit by a cricket ball during a practice session in Melbourne.

Ben Austin, 17, was training in cricket nets in Ferntree Gully on Tuesday when he was struck in the head or neck by a ball from an automatic bowling machine. It’s believed he was wearing a helmet.

Emergency workers were called to the scene shortly before 17:00 local time (06:00 GMT) and the boy was rushed to Monash Children’s Hospital in critical condition. He was put on life support but died on Wednesday.

Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association president Arnie Walters said Ben was “both talented and popular in local cricket”.

“I know how heavily this news will land across our community and we will provide any and all support we can to our clubs and cricket family,” he said.

In a social media post, Ben’s cricket club extended their condolences to his family and friends and “to all of those who knew Ben and the joy that he brought”.

“We ask you to please respect the privacy of Ben’s family during this time,” the post said.

On behalf of the teenager’s family, the club also thanked Ambulance Victoria, the police and hospital staff.

The BBC has contacted Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria for comment.

The incident comes just over a decade after Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes died after being struck on the neck by a ball while batting in the Sheffield Shield in 2014.

Teenage cricketer dies in Melbourne after being hit by ball

A cricket ball struck an Australian teenager during a Melbourne practice session, killing the teenager.

When a ball from an automatic bowling machine struck Ben Austin, 17, in the head or neck while he was practicing cricket nets in Ferntree Gully on Tuesday. He is thought to be wearing a helmet.

The boy was taken to Monash Children’s Hospital in critical condition shortly before 17:00 local time (06:00 GMT). He was placed on life support, but he passed away on Wednesday.

Arnie Walters, president of the Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association, described Ben as “both talented and well-liked in his neighborhood cricket.”

“I am aware of how widely spread this news is in our community,” he said, adding that we will give our clubs and cricket family the utmost support.

Ben’s cricket club extended condolences to his family, friends, and “to all of those who knew Ben and the joy that he brought” in a social media post.

We ask that you kindly protect Ben’s family’s privacy during this difficult time, according to the post.

The club also expressed gratitude to Ambulance Victoria, the police, and the hospital staff on behalf of the teen’s family.

For comment, Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria have been contacted by the BBC.

Phillip Hughes, an Australian cricketer, passed away after being struck on the neck by a ball while batting for the Sheffield Shield in 2014, just over ten years later.

‘Tactically disciplined’ Rangers ‘ready’ for Celtic

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Danny Rohl has managed to convert Rangers from “shambolic” in the eyes of many to more “tactically disciplined” and “ready” to face Celtic in just six days.

The 36-year-old German has now won back-to-back games, the most recent being a 1-0 victory over Hibernian, having only been installed last Tuesday and suffered a harrowing 3-0 defeat away to Brann in the Europa League.

Despite having only a handful of training sessions to go, Rohl’s influence is evident in the fact that Easter Road resulted in Rangers’ first clean sheet away from home after 25 attempts, stretching back to December 2024.

Although Rangers did depend on Jack Butland to save Jamie McGrath late on a penalty, the organization had improved significantly.

When asked what he found most appealing, Rohl responded, “I must say, in the second half the tactical discipline.”

“Pressing high wasn’t always possible. However, we were more knowledgeable about the game and made the case that they were a transition team.

When we have the ball, what we need to improve is. our own transitional experiences. However, the game needs more than one component.

The back three switch works.

Rohl switched to a back three for the second game in a row, and despite making five adjustments, his team still appeared more dependable.

Jayden Meghoma, 19, left-back as a wing-back with extra cover, while adding an additional centre-back has given him more stability.

In terms of space between the strikers and center-backs as well as in terms of width, Opta’s average position graphic below illustrates how compact Rangers were generally.

The average position of the players on the pitch in Hibernian's game with RangersOpta

Under Russell Martin, “I’ve said it many times how ridiculous the set-up was never mind the players’ choice making.”

“They appeared to be so unorganized during set-pieces and throw-ins. This demonstrated blatant tactical prudence and understanding tonight.

The players appear much more at ease with him, and he has restored the fundamentals of team defense and operation.

Other than the McGrath penalty and Thibault Klidje’s excellent chance, Hibs head coach David Gray mentioned that his team did not do enough in the final third.

Rangers at least made it difficult for Hibs, despite what he claimed himself.

Former Hearts captain Michael Stewart commented on Sportsound, “Danny Rohl is just in the door, but he was very clear about Hibs being a transitional team.”

Hibernian's heat map against RangersOpta

Rangers: ready for Celtic?

The Premier Sports Cup semi-final game between Celtic and Rohl’s new Rangers will take place on Sunday in Hampden.

Rangers might want to take their chances with their newfound confidence and greater resilience given the turbulence at Celtic this week following Brendan Rodgers’ shock departure.

However, Martin O’Neill’s side resurrected with their previous best form with a 4-0 victory over Falkirk, making the second derby of the season difficult to call.

Rohl asserted that Rangers still need work, particularly on the ball.

The jury is still out on all of the summer recruits, so their compact shape has a drawback.

In comparison to Hibs’ 22, Rangers’ only 13 crosses were made at Easter Road, and the home side had the better chance of scoring.

All that has been accomplished is the basic installation following Martin’s side’s first two months of campaign play.

However, some people still believe that Rohl’s six-day turnaround has been successful.

He declared, “I’m excited and it will be a great game.” We have won two games in a row, have great confidence, and we’ll play well.” My boys are prepared for this.

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    • 18 June 2023
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Slot ‘making excuses’ – but should he have rested key players?

Reuters
  • 194 Comments

Winning the Premier League in his first season, Arne Slot has not got much wrong since taking charge of Liverpool.

But even he may have been surprised at how much his team selection backfired on Wednesday as his side, full of fringe players and youngsters, crumbled 3-0 at home against Crystal Palace in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.

Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike were absent as the Reds made a tame exit in a competition they had won twice in the past four seasons and were beaten in the previous campaign’s final.

For Slot, whose side have now lost six of their past seven games in all competitions, a daunting schedule that includes encounters with Aston Villa, Real Madrid and Manchester City will follow in the next 10 days.

But the Dutchman said in the post-match news conference: “This club has always used this competition for academy players as well.

“It felt to me the right decision and I’ve not changed my opinion of that because we lost.”

Slot named three teenagers in his starting line-up and a further five among his substitutes as he made 10 changes from the team that was beaten 3-2 in the league at Brentford on Saturday.

After a bright start from Liverpool, Ismaila Sarr scored twice at the end of the first half, with 18-year-old Amara Nallo sent off in the second half to end any hope of a fightback from the hosts.

A late third from Yeremy Pino gave the scoreline a flattering feel as Slot watched on helplessly in the heavy Anfield rain.

“Against Brentford it was two days after we played Eintracht Frankfurt away and I saw a team that is struggling to play three games in seven days, but it is not an excuse,” he added.

“I’ve seen the struggles some players have had in pre-season. It’s a new challenge to play in the Premier League and Champions League, three games in seven days.

    • 2 hours ago

‘There will be a bit more stick’

Crystal Palace score a goalPA Media

However, former Liverpool and England defender Stephen Warnock felt Slot had no justification for his side.

“Arne Slot has almost admitted there that the squad is not strong enough,” said Warnock on BBC Radio 5 Live. “It was very much deflecting and making excuses.

“You’re a team in the Champions League, yet you’re moaning that you’re playing a game two days later. You know that is going to happen. I felt there were a lot of excuses in there. You know your squad depth isn’t the best, then your business hasn’t been good enough in the summer.”

Liverpool spent more than £400m in the summer transfer window and ex-Scotland international Pat Nevin felt Slot had shown the Carabao Cup was not important to the Reds this season.

“Arne Slot has shown it is secondary, and it is certainly not as important as the games coming up,” said Nevin. “Yes, there will be a bit more stick. There will be a realisation among Liverpool fans, who aren’t daft, the fact is they have already won this competition.

‘It is going to be a big week for us’

Crystal Palace celebrate a goalPA Media

Reigning champions Liverpool have lost four successive Premier League games, having started with five wins, leaving them seventh in the table.

Defeat at home to Aston Villa on Saturday will be their worst since 1953 when they lost five in a row.

Asked if resting so many of his first-team players had increased the pressure to beat Villa, Slot dismissed that suggestion.

“If you lose five of six and then six of seven there’s always more pressure,” he added. “If you play for Liverpool, if you manage Liverpool you know the pressure is there and I don’t think it changes much after this loss.

“If you look at the upcoming week coming up, that is going to be a big week for us, everyone and the club. We need as many players available as we can. You can see with the line-up I had to make.

“I only rested the players that have played mainly in the last week. This is the line-up you get. That shows you we already have a few injuries. With a big week coming up for me, it felt the best choice.

‘Disrespectful’ to say Liverpool fielded a weakened team – Glasner

Although Liverpool’s starting 11 included 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha and 18-year-old midfielders Trey Nyoni and Kieran Morrison, the line-up also included seven full internationals.

Slot opted for three central defenders, with Scotland’s Andy Robertson on the left, England’s Joe Gomez in the middle and Japan’s Wataru Endo on the right.

Both full-backs have also represented their country too, with left-back Milos Kerkez a regular for Hungary, while Calvin Ramsay has played for Scotland.

Palace boss Oliver Glasner felt it was “disrespectful” to suggest Liverpool had fielded a weakened team and believed his side deserved all the credit.

“It was Arne Slot’s decision and we never care what other teams are doing,” said the Eagles boss. “I’ve seen Joe Gomez play for England, win the Champions League, seen Wataru Endo I don’t know how many games for Japan, I’ve seen Alexis Mac Allister, he won the World Cup as a starter, Kerkez moved for £40m, [Federico] Chiesa plays for the [Italy] national team, Ngumoha has shown he can score goals in the Premier League.

“It was still a good team and everyone is a member of the Liverpool squad. I was never good enough to be in the Liverpool squad. Maybe it was not the strongest team, but still a very good Liverpool side.”

For Slot, this match will be forgotten about if they can get positive results against Villa, Real and Manchester City.

“If they beat Villa and Real Madrid, and they start to turn a corner, then yes it will have paid off,” added Warnock. “If it isn’t and things continue, then Liverpool fans will get disgruntled.

“Managers don’t make changes for no reason. But when you need a victory, this was the ideal time to get it.”

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  • Ask Me Anything logo

Slot ‘making excuses’ – but should he have rested key players?

Reuters
  • 194 Comments

Winning the Premier League in his first season, Arne Slot has not got much wrong since taking charge of Liverpool.

But even he may have been surprised at how much his team selection backfired on Wednesday as his side, full of fringe players and youngsters, crumbled 3-0 at home against Crystal Palace in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.

Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike were absent as the Reds made a tame exit in a competition they had won twice in the past four seasons and were beaten in the previous campaign’s final.

For Slot, whose side have now lost six of their past seven games in all competitions, a daunting schedule that includes encounters with Aston Villa, Real Madrid and Manchester City will follow in the next 10 days.

But the Dutchman said in the post-match news conference: “This club has always used this competition for academy players as well.

“It felt to me the right decision and I’ve not changed my opinion of that because we lost.”

Slot named three teenagers in his starting line-up and a further five among his substitutes as he made 10 changes from the team that was beaten 3-2 in the league at Brentford on Saturday.

After a bright start from Liverpool, Ismaila Sarr scored twice at the end of the first half, with 18-year-old Amara Nallo sent off in the second half to end any hope of a fightback from the hosts.

A late third from Yeremy Pino gave the scoreline a flattering feel as Slot watched on helplessly in the heavy Anfield rain.

“Against Brentford it was two days after we played Eintracht Frankfurt away and I saw a team that is struggling to play three games in seven days, but it is not an excuse,” he added.

“I’ve seen the struggles some players have had in pre-season. It’s a new challenge to play in the Premier League and Champions League, three games in seven days.

    • 2 hours ago

‘There will be a bit more stick’

Crystal Palace score a goalPA Media

However, former Liverpool and England defender Stephen Warnock felt Slot had no justification for his side.

“Arne Slot has almost admitted there that the squad is not strong enough,” said Warnock on BBC Radio 5 Live. “It was very much deflecting and making excuses.

“You’re a team in the Champions League, yet you’re moaning that you’re playing a game two days later. You know that is going to happen. I felt there were a lot of excuses in there. You know your squad depth isn’t the best, then your business hasn’t been good enough in the summer.”

Liverpool spent more than £400m in the summer transfer window and ex-Scotland international Pat Nevin felt Slot had shown the Carabao Cup was not important to the Reds this season.

“Arne Slot has shown it is secondary, and it is certainly not as important as the games coming up,” said Nevin. “Yes, there will be a bit more stick. There will be a realisation among Liverpool fans, who aren’t daft, the fact is they have already won this competition.

‘It is going to be a big week for us’

Crystal Palace celebrate a goalPA Media

Reigning champions Liverpool have lost four successive Premier League games, having started with five wins, leaving them seventh in the table.

Defeat at home to Aston Villa on Saturday will be their worst since 1953 when they lost five in a row.

Asked if resting so many of his first-team players had increased the pressure to beat Villa, Slot dismissed that suggestion.

“If you lose five of six and then six of seven there’s always more pressure,” he added. “If you play for Liverpool, if you manage Liverpool you know the pressure is there and I don’t think it changes much after this loss.

“If you look at the upcoming week coming up, that is going to be a big week for us, everyone and the club. We need as many players available as we can. You can see with the line-up I had to make.

“I only rested the players that have played mainly in the last week. This is the line-up you get. That shows you we already have a few injuries. With a big week coming up for me, it felt the best choice.

‘Disrespectful’ to say Liverpool fielded a weakened team – Glasner

Although Liverpool’s starting 11 included 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha and 18-year-old midfielders Trey Nyoni and Kieran Morrison, the line-up also included seven full internationals.

Slot opted for three central defenders, with Scotland’s Andy Robertson on the left, England’s Joe Gomez in the middle and Japan’s Wataru Endo on the right.

Both full-backs have also represented their country too, with left-back Milos Kerkez a regular for Hungary, while Calvin Ramsay has played for Scotland.

Palace boss Oliver Glasner felt it was “disrespectful” to suggest Liverpool had fielded a weakened team and believed his side deserved all the credit.

“It was Arne Slot’s decision and we never care what other teams are doing,” said the Eagles boss. “I’ve seen Joe Gomez play for England, win the Champions League, seen Wataru Endo I don’t know how many games for Japan, I’ve seen Alexis Mac Allister, he won the World Cup as a starter, Kerkez moved for £40m, [Federico] Chiesa plays for the [Italy] national team, Ngumoha has shown he can score goals in the Premier League.

“It was still a good team and everyone is a member of the Liverpool squad. I was never good enough to be in the Liverpool squad. Maybe it was not the strongest team, but still a very good Liverpool side.”

For Slot, this match will be forgotten about if they can get positive results against Villa, Real and Manchester City.

“If they beat Villa and Real Madrid, and they start to turn a corner, then yes it will have paid off,” added Warnock. “If it isn’t and things continue, then Liverpool fans will get disgruntled.

“Managers don’t make changes for no reason. But when you need a victory, this was the ideal time to get it.”

Related topics

  • Liverpool
  • Premier League
  • Football

More on this story

  • Anfield
  • Ask Me Anything logo

Slot ‘making excuses’ – but should he have rested key players?

Reuters
  • 194 Comments

Winning the Premier League in his first season, Arne Slot has not got much wrong since taking charge of Liverpool.

But even he may have been surprised at how much his team selection backfired on Wednesday as his side, full of fringe players and youngsters, crumbled 3-0 at home against Crystal Palace in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.

Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike were absent as the Reds made a tame exit in a competition they had won twice in the past four seasons and were beaten in the previous campaign’s final.

For Slot, whose side have now lost six of their past seven games in all competitions, a daunting schedule that includes encounters with Aston Villa, Real Madrid and Manchester City will follow in the next 10 days.

But the Dutchman said in the post-match news conference: “This club has always used this competition for academy players as well.

“It felt to me the right decision and I’ve not changed my opinion of that because we lost.”

Slot named three teenagers in his starting line-up and a further five among his substitutes as he made 10 changes from the team that was beaten 3-2 in the league at Brentford on Saturday.

After a bright start from Liverpool, Ismaila Sarr scored twice at the end of the first half, with 18-year-old Amara Nallo sent off in the second half to end any hope of a fightback from the hosts.

A late third from Yeremy Pino gave the scoreline a flattering feel as Slot watched on helplessly in the heavy Anfield rain.

“Against Brentford it was two days after we played Eintracht Frankfurt away and I saw a team that is struggling to play three games in seven days, but it is not an excuse,” he added.

“I’ve seen the struggles some players have had in pre-season. It’s a new challenge to play in the Premier League and Champions League, three games in seven days.

    • 2 hours ago

‘There will be a bit more stick’

Crystal Palace score a goalPA Media

However, former Liverpool and England defender Stephen Warnock felt Slot had no justification for his side.

“Arne Slot has almost admitted there that the squad is not strong enough,” said Warnock on BBC Radio 5 Live. “It was very much deflecting and making excuses.

“You’re a team in the Champions League, yet you’re moaning that you’re playing a game two days later. You know that is going to happen. I felt there were a lot of excuses in there. You know your squad depth isn’t the best, then your business hasn’t been good enough in the summer.”

Liverpool spent more than £400m in the summer transfer window and ex-Scotland international Pat Nevin felt Slot had shown the Carabao Cup was not important to the Reds this season.

“Arne Slot has shown it is secondary, and it is certainly not as important as the games coming up,” said Nevin. “Yes, there will be a bit more stick. There will be a realisation among Liverpool fans, who aren’t daft, the fact is they have already won this competition.

‘It is going to be a big week for us’

Crystal Palace celebrate a goalPA Media

Reigning champions Liverpool have lost four successive Premier League games, having started with five wins, leaving them seventh in the table.

Defeat at home to Aston Villa on Saturday will be their worst since 1953 when they lost five in a row.

Asked if resting so many of his first-team players had increased the pressure to beat Villa, Slot dismissed that suggestion.

“If you lose five of six and then six of seven there’s always more pressure,” he added. “If you play for Liverpool, if you manage Liverpool you know the pressure is there and I don’t think it changes much after this loss.

“If you look at the upcoming week coming up, that is going to be a big week for us, everyone and the club. We need as many players available as we can. You can see with the line-up I had to make.

“I only rested the players that have played mainly in the last week. This is the line-up you get. That shows you we already have a few injuries. With a big week coming up for me, it felt the best choice.

‘Disrespectful’ to say Liverpool fielded a weakened team – Glasner

Although Liverpool’s starting 11 included 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha and 18-year-old midfielders Trey Nyoni and Kieran Morrison, the line-up also included seven full internationals.

Slot opted for three central defenders, with Scotland’s Andy Robertson on the left, England’s Joe Gomez in the middle and Japan’s Wataru Endo on the right.

Both full-backs have also represented their country too, with left-back Milos Kerkez a regular for Hungary, while Calvin Ramsay has played for Scotland.

Palace boss Oliver Glasner felt it was “disrespectful” to suggest Liverpool had fielded a weakened team and believed his side deserved all the credit.

“It was Arne Slot’s decision and we never care what other teams are doing,” said the Eagles boss. “I’ve seen Joe Gomez play for England, win the Champions League, seen Wataru Endo I don’t know how many games for Japan, I’ve seen Alexis Mac Allister, he won the World Cup as a starter, Kerkez moved for £40m, [Federico] Chiesa plays for the [Italy] national team, Ngumoha has shown he can score goals in the Premier League.

“It was still a good team and everyone is a member of the Liverpool squad. I was never good enough to be in the Liverpool squad. Maybe it was not the strongest team, but still a very good Liverpool side.”

For Slot, this match will be forgotten about if they can get positive results against Villa, Real and Manchester City.

“If they beat Villa and Real Madrid, and they start to turn a corner, then yes it will have paid off,” added Warnock. “If it isn’t and things continue, then Liverpool fans will get disgruntled.

“Managers don’t make changes for no reason. But when you need a victory, this was the ideal time to get it.”

Related topics

  • Liverpool
  • Premier League
  • Football

More on this story

  • Anfield
  • Ask Me Anything logo