A 17-year-old cricketer has tragically died after being struck by a ball during a warm-up session before a local T20 match in Melbourne’s southeast.
The incident occurred around 4.45 pm on Tuesday at Walley Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully, where Ben Austin was reportedly practising in the nets before a match between Ferntree Gully and Eildon Park.
Paramedics, including a Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance unit, treated Ben at the scene before rushing him to Monash Medical Centre in critical condition. Despite their efforts, the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club confirmed his death on Thursday morning.
“We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community,” the club said in a statement.
“We ask you to please respect the privacy of Ben’s family during this time.”
Ringwood and District Cricket Association president Michael Finn told 7News that the community was rallying around those affected.
“Currently, our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” he said.
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