A 17-year-old Australian cricketer, Ben Austin, has died after being struck on the neck by a cricket ball during a practice session in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, officials confirmed on Thursday. Austin was training in the cricket nets at Ferntree Gully on Tuesday when he was hit on the neck by a ball delivered from a throwing machine. Despite wearing a helmet, he was not using a stem guard a piece of protective gear that covers the area where the neck meets the helmet. 

Emergency services were called to the scene around 5:00 pm local time. Austin was rushed to Monash Children’s Hospital in critical condition and placed on life support, but he succumbed to his injuries two days later.Cricket Victoria confirmed that Austin was struck during a routine training session. “Ben was wearing a helmet but did not have a stem guard,” said a spokesperson, noting the incident’s tragic similarity to the 2014 death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, who died after a ball struck his neck during a Sheffield Shield match.

The organization extended condolences to Austin’s family, teammates, and the wider cricket community.The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club said it was “absolutely devastated” by the loss of “one of its most promising young players.”“Ben’s passing will be felt deeply across our cricket community,” said club president Arnie Walters. “He was both talented and popular among his peers.” In a social media post, the club urged privacy for Austin’s family and expressed gratitude to Ambulance Victoria, local police, and hospital staff for their efforts.

The Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football Club, where Austin played more than 100 games, also paid tribute, describing him as “kind, respectful, and a fantastic footballer.” “Our club and community have lost a truly great young person,” the statement read.The tragedy comes just over a decade after Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes died from a similar injury during a domestic match in 2014. His death led to safety reforms and the introduction of neck guards in cricket helmets, though their use remains optional.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)