![IND and AUS players have worn black armbands [Source: @yogeshgoswami_/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1761817238845_black_armband.jpg?type=hq)
IND and AUS players have worn black armbands [Source: @yogeshgoswami_/X]
In a significant development, Australian captain Alyssa Healy won the toss and elected to bat first in the second semifinal of the ongoing Women's World Cup edition. Barring several strategic changes, what grabbed everyone's attention was players from both sides spotted wearing black armbands.
Why India and Australia stars have worn black armbands
It's worth mentioning that Ben Austin, a 17-year-old cricketer from Melbourne, passed away after succumbing to an injury that he sustained in a net session. The promising cricketer, who got one of the pacy throw downs struck right on his neck on Tuesday, was placed on life support at Monash Children's Hospital.
However, unfortunately, the cricketer didn't survive, passing away at just 17 on Thursday. The Indian and Australian cricketers have worn black armbands to mourn his tragic demise as a mark of respect for the departed soul.
Ben Austin's death brings back Phil Hughes' horror
Ben Austin was wearing a helmet which didn't have the protective gear around the neck. So, as he was facing side-arm throw downs in the nets, one of the deliveries struck him on that sensitive part. As he became unconscious, Austin was rushed to the hospital where he survived for two days before passing away.
His tragic death reminded fans of Phil Hughes, who passed away under similar circumstances following a deadly blow to his neck off Sean Abbott's bowling during a Sheffield Shield contest. Hughes' death not only exposed the loopholes in the existing cricketing helmets back then, but also prompted the manufacturers to introduce protective gear around the neck to prevent similar on-field mishaps.
