The India vs Australia 2nd T20I match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on October 31, 2025, began with an emotional tribute that touched the hearts of cricket fans across the world. Players from both sides — India and Australia — were seen wearing black armbands during the national anthems and throughout the game.
But why exactly did both teams wear them today? Let’s understand the full story behind this heartfelt gesture.
The Reason Behind Black Armbands
The Indian and Australian players wore black armbands to pay tribute to Ben Austin, a 17-year-old Australian cricketer from Melbourne, who tragically passed away earlier this week following a practice accident at the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club nets.
Ben was hit in the neck by a cricket ball while facing deliveries from a handheld thrower (commonly known as a “wanger”) during a net session. Even though he was wearing a helmet, the ball struck the unprotected area of his neck — leading to severe injury.
Despite being rushed to Monash Children’s Hospital and placed on life support, Ben sadly succumbed to his injuries two days later, on October 30, 2025.
Statement and Tributes
Ben’s father, Jace Austin, released an emotional message saying:
“We are utterly devastated by the passing of our beautiful Ben. He was doing what he loved most — playing cricket with his mates.”
The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club and Cricket Victoria confirmed the tragic news and extended condolences to Ben’s family, teammates, and friends.
Cricket Australia also expressed deep sorrow, calling it a “heartbreaking loss to the cricketing community.”
Even the family of late cricketer Phillip Hughes, who passed away in 2014 after a similar accident, reached out with a heartfelt message of support for the Austin family.
Tribute by India and Australia
Before the start of the 2nd T20I match at MCG, both captains — Suryakumar Yadav and Mitchell Marsh — along with all players and officials, observed a minute of silence to honor Ben Austin’s memory.
Both teams wore black armbands as a mark of respect. This mirrored the tribute seen earlier during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinal in Navi Mumbai, where the India Women and Australia Women teams had also worn black armbands for Ben.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | India vs Australia, 2nd T20I 2025 |
| Date | Friday, October 31, 2025 |
| Venue | Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne |
| Occasion | Tribute to late cricketer Ben Austin |
| Tribute Type | Black armbands & minute of silence |
| Who Wore It | Both India and Australia men’s teams |
About Ben Austin
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ben Austin |
| Age | 17 years |
| Hometown | Melbourne, Australia |
| Club | Ferntree Gully Cricket Club |
| Accident Location | Wally Tew Reserve, Ferntree Gully |
| Date of Incident | Tuesday, October 28, 2025 |
| Date of Passing | Thursday, October 30, 2025 |
| Cause | Hit by cricket ball on neck during nets |
| Protective Gear | Helmet (without neck stem guard) |
Renewed Debate on Cricket Safety
This tragic event has reignited global discussions about player safety and protective equipment.
After the Phillip Hughes incident in 2014, cricket authorities introduced stem guards to helmets to protect the back of the neck. However, not all players — especially at the community level — regularly use them.
Cricket Victoria’s CEO Nick Cummins stated:
“Our priority now is to support Ben’s family and teammates. At the right time, we will review safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
Read more: India vs Australia Head-to-Head Records
Remembering Ben Austin
Ben Austin was more than a talented young cricketer. He was described by his teachers and teammates as a kind, humble, and passionate sportsman who loved every moment of the game.
From Melbourne to Mumbai, tributes poured in — fans, players, and teams stood united in mourning the loss of a bright young life gone too soon.
Conclusion
The sight of both India and Australia wearing black armbands today at MCG wasn’t just a formality — it was a powerful symbol of solidarity, respect, and compassion in the global cricket family.
As the game went on, the spirit of Ben Austin lived on in every shot, every delivery, and every fan who paused to remember that cricket, at its heart, is a community bound by love, not just competition.
