A young cricketer has died after suffering catastrophic injuries during a pre-game net session in Melbourne.
Specialist paramedics were called to the Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully at 4.45pm (local time) on Tuesday after the teenager was struck in the neck by a ball.
The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club confirmed on Thursday the death of beloved player Ben Austin.
“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.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family – Jace, Tracey, Cooper & Zach, his extended family, his friends and to all of those who knew Ben and the joy that he brought.”
Ringwood and District Cricket Association president Michael Finn told AAP the teenager was warming up in the nets ahead of a T20 match when the catastrophic injury occurred in front of his teammates.
“Medical assistance was provided by people at the ground at the time until the paramedics arrived,” he says.
Finn says the organisation, along with Cricket Victoria, continues to offer its full support to those affected.
“We will stand back and give the family all the love and support that we can at this point in time… it must be an incredibly difficult time,” he added.
“We need to stand back now and give the family the time, space and respect, they need to process the situation.”
The teenager died on Wednesday at Monash Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.