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Young cricketer dies in Melbourne after being struck by cricket ball

Thursday, 30-Oct-2025 ● 10 hrs ago
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A 17-year-old club cricketer (Ben Austin) in Melbourne passed away after being struck on the neck by a ball while warming up in the nets on Tuesday. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition, but despite best efforts, he died later on Thursday morning.

According to multiple reports, Ben was facing deliveries thrown from a sidearm device during a net session and wearing a standard batting helmet but without a stem guard or neck protector. As per reports, the accident occurred at about 4:45 pm during a warm-up session before a senior T20 fixture between Ferntree Gully Cricket Club and Eildon Park Cricket Club. Ben had been practising in the nets when the ball, thrown from the sidearm machine, struck him in the neck region.

The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club in a social media post paid tribute to the young talent.

"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 Ferntree Gully Cricket Club stated 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."

The horrifying tragedy comes more than 10 years after the tragic death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, who died after being hit in the neck during a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

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