‘A heart of gold’: Young cricketer farewelled in front of 1100 loved ones at Junction Oval funeral

Ben Austin, 17, died in hospital days after he was fatally hit by a cricket ball in his head and neck area while at training in Ferntree Gully on October 29.

The Shane Warne Stand was a sea of 1100 of the teen’s friends, family and members of the public today.

Ben Austin, 17, picture with parents Tracey and Jace. (Nine)

Mourners were encouraged to wear their cricket club tops, scarves or a splash of colour.

Ben’s closest loved ones sat on chairs in the middle of the grounds, where his Collingwood Football Club-adorned coffin was displayed.

The Magpies’ 2023 premiership cup had pride of place at the service, on a table next to a framed photo of Ben, a Sherrin football bearing his name, and a cricket bat inscribed with his Ferntree Gully Cricket Club cap number 512.

His father Jace – wearing Ben’s number 512 cricket cap – his cricket coach and other family members were among those to eulogise the talented young sportsman.

“Ben Andrew Austin, 17 years, 19 days, five hours, you lit up the world. Your mum and I have never been prouder,” Mr Austin said.

Ben’s father Jace paid tribute to his son in a touching speech. (Nine)

“The best goal you ever scored or four you ever hit wasn’t on the field, but it was when your soul chose us as your family.

“Our first achievement and greatest love.”

Mr Austin said the family found peace knowing Ben would join his cousins and nana on the other side.

“But mostly playing cricket with Warnie and Phil Hughes will be high on the list,” Jace said.

Collingwood’s 2023 premiership cup and a cricket bat bearing his cap number 512 were among the mementos displayed during the funeral ceremony. (Nine)Ben’s coffin, adorned with the logo of the Collingwood Football Club was displayed alongside a flower arrangement bearing his name. (Nine)

Ferntree Gully Cricket Club coach Josh Henry remembered Ben as ”the perfect young man”.

“Only the other week, a new left-handed batsman turned up to training without gear,” Henry said.

“I asked Benny if the kid could borrow his. Without hesitation – yes.

“Not only did he lend it, he helped the boy pad up, doing the straps, fitting the gloves, making sure he was ready, that’s who Benny was.

“Anything, for anyone, anytime. A heart of gold.”

Ben’s coffin was carried from the ground by Ben’s friends and teammates into a hearse which performed a lap of honour around the ground at the end of the service.