Young cricketer dies after horrific training injury

A young cricketer has died after suffering serious injuries during a pre-match net session.

Specialist paramedics were called to the Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully at 4.45pm on Tuesday after the teenager was struck in the neck by a ball.

Ferntree Gully Cricket Club confirmed the death of popular player Ben Austin on Thursday.

“We are absolutely devastated by Ben’s passing and the effects of his death will be felt by everyone in our cricket community,” the club said in a statement. he said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, Jace, Tracey, Cooper and Zach, his extended family, his friends and everyone who knew Ben and the joy he brought.”

Ringwood and District Cricket Association president Michael Finn told AAP the teenager was warming up in the nets ahead of the T20 match when the devastating injury occurred in front of his teammates.

“Medical assistance was provided by people on the ground until paramedics arrived,” he says.

Mr Finn said the organization, along with Cricket Victoria, continues to provide full support to those affected.

“We will stand back and give the family all the love and support we can at this point… it must be an incredibly difficult time,” he added.

“We must now step back and give the family time, space and respect, they need to assess the situation.”

The teenager died at Monash Children’s Hospital in Melbourne on Wednesday.