Last Updated on 6 months ago by Charbel Coorey

A 17-year-old boy has tragically passed away after he was struck on the neck by a cricket ball in Melbourne’s east earlier this week. He has been identified as Ben Austin of Ferntree Gully Cricket Club.

According to Sydney Morning Herald, Austin was facing balls thrown by a wanger ahead of a T20 match between Ferntree Gully and Eildon Park. This device is widely used to deliver balls to batters in practice sessions. The incident occurred on Tuesday at around 4:45pm.

“After it happened three or four players rushed to help and the rest of us gathered around about 40m away pretty much,’’ a witness said, as quoted by CODE Sports.

“Someone ran and grabbed a defib and an ambulance was there within maybe five or six minutes. Then there was fire brigade and police flying in left, right and centre.

“Everyone was just stunned, not really knowing what was happening and how serious it was, because at first it was like someone had been hit in the head. When they called for the defibrillator it was like, s***, this is much more serious. There were players from both teams who knew the boy, so both teams were concerned.’’

Ferntree Gully Cricket Club issues statement: 17 year old dies after struck by cricket ball

Austin was soon placed on life support. However, he tragically passed away yesterday (29th of October).

“We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community,” wrote Ferntree Gully Cricket Club 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.

“We ask you to please respect the privacy of Ben’s family during this time.”

Austin was an emerging all-rounder who made his debut with the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club in the First XI last season. He was described as a “star cricketer, great leader and an awesome young man who is respected and liked by all your teammates’’.

Austin’s death will also hit the Australian cricketing community hard. Nearly 11 years ago, Phil Hughes was struck on the neck and passed away two days later.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Ben’s family, friends and the community in such a difficult time.