Community cricketers will lay down their bats in memory of a budding player killed in a freak training accident, as a wave of grief washes over the sport.

Ben Austin, 17, died on Thursday, two days after he was struck in the neck by a ball while batting in the nets in Ferntree Gully in Melbourne's east.

His tragic death has led to an outpouring of grief across the globe, with more than $130,000 raised from thousands of donors to help his family create lasting tributes in his memory.

Cricket matches in Ben's local Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association have been postponed this weekend as the local pub throws open its door on Saturday for fellow players, members and supporters.

On Friday, Ben's family returned to the club where his love for the sport began and the scene of the a

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