Teenage cricketer dies in Melbourne after being hit by ball

An Australian teenager died after being hit by a cricket ball during training in Melbourne.

The 17-year-old was injured when a ball from an automatic bowling machine hit his head or neck while he was practicing on the cricket nets at Ferntree Gully on Tuesday. It is thought he was wearing a helmet.

Emergency workers were called to the scene shortly before 5pm local time (0600 GMT) and the child was taken to Monash Children’s Hospital in a critical condition. He was placed on life support but died on Wednesday.

The boy’s local cricket club said it was “absolutely devastated” by the “tragic death” of one of its players and that the teenager’s death “will be felt by everyone in our cricket community”.

Local cricket association president Arnie Walters said the boy was “both talented and popular in local cricket”, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

“I know how hard this news will hit our community and we will provide all the support we can to our clubs and cricket family,” he said.

The boy’s cricket club expressed its condolences to his family, friends and “all those who knew him” in a social media post. [him] and the joy it brings”.

“We ask you to respect privacy. [the boy’s] family during this time,” he said.

The club also thanked Ambulance Victoria, police and hospital staff on behalf of the teenager’s family.

The BBC has contacted Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria for comment.