When Jace Austin sits on the boundary watching cricket today, he's honoring something incredibly important—his son Ben's enduring love for the game. And in doing so, he and his wife Tracey are demonstrating a remarkable strength of spirit that's touching hearts across Australia.

Ben Austin was a sports-loving 17-year-old whose parents called him their "miracle baby." Born against medical odds after Tracey was told she might never have children, Ben brought joy and determination to everything he did. He played cricket for three different teams, Australian rules football, worked as a boundary umpire, and had a passion for running that seemed boundless.

"He was kind of shy and quiet growing up, but once he started playing his sport he just had a real passion and took leadership and always strived for the best," Tracey recalls warmly from their Melbourne home.

In late October, Ben was struck in the neck during cricket training at Ferntree Gully. The accident occurred during a routine practice session, and despite being rushed to hospital, Ben passed away two days later. His parents were able to spend precious time with him at his bedside, playing his favorite songs and being together as a family.

What makes the Austin family's story so profoundly moving is their response to this heartbreak. Rather than turning away from cricket or assigning blame, they're embracing compassion and understanding—particularly toward Ben's teammate who was involved in the accident.

"Cricket wasn't at fault here—it was just a pure accident. It really was," Jace told reporters in an exclusive interview, speaking publicly for the first time.

Initially, Jace admits he didn't want to see cricket again. But the very next morning, something changed. "Whether it was through Benny or through just a feeling I got, I said, 'no, I have to… that's not fair.' It had nothing to do with the game. Benny loved it that much."

Now, Tracey keeps Ben's memory alive in beautiful, personal ways. Every morning, she visits his bedroom, surrounded by his photographs, trophies, and achievements. "I can feel him in this room. I can feel his presence, just his smile and in the photos, it's like he's looking at me, those big brown eyes."

Ben's friends Cooper Wood and Hudson Reid remember him for his character and kindness. "He'd make you laugh, he could cheer you on, he could make you be a better person," Hudson shared at Ben's funeral, which was held at Junction Oval in St Kilda.

The Austin family's message is clear: Ben's legacy isn't about tragedy—it's about love, sport, friendship, and the importance of supporting one another through difficult times. By speaking out, they're not only honoring their son but also extending compassion to everyone affected by the accident.

Their youngest son still plays cricket, and Jace is there on the boundary, watching—not the same as before, but present, supportive, and carrying Ben's love for the game forward. It's a testament to the healing power of love and the human capacity for grace in the face of unimaginable loss.