A young Melbourne cricketer who was critically injured at training has died.
Ben Austin suffered catastrophic injuries when he was struck in the neck while facing balls in the training nets at Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully on Tuesday afternoon.
Junior cricketer Ben Austin died on Wednesday.Credit: Ferntree Gully Cricket Club Facebook
“The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club wishes to advise of the tragic passing of our 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 on social media.
“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.
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“May Ben Rest in Peace.“
The club said Austin’s parents, Jace and Tracey, wished to thank the emergency services and doctors who cared for him.
The teenager was not facing a bowler, but rather throw-downs delivered by a “wanger” or dog ball launcher, commonly used in net sessions. He was wearing a helmet at the time.
Specialist paramedics treated him at the scene before he was taken by ambulance to Monash Medical Centre in Clayton in a critical condition and placed on life support.
The teenager was not listed to play in the game against Eildon Park, but was training as clubmates warmed up. The game was abandoned after Austin was injured.
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