A tragic accident occurred when 17-year-old Ben Austin was struck in the head and neck area by a ball from an automatic bowling machine while practicing in the nets.

Emergency responders quickly arrived at Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully, located in Melbourne’s outer-east, around 4:45 PM on Tuesday.

Ben was urgently transported to Monash Medical Centre, where he was admitted in critical condition and placed on life support.

Unfortunately, the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club announced this morning that Ben passed away during the night.

The club expressed their sorrow on Facebook, stating, “We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family – Jace, Tracey, Cooper (and) Zach, his extended family, his friends and to all of those who knew Ben and the joy that he brought.”

The club asked that Ben’s family’s privacy be respected, and passed on their thanks to the police, Ambulance Victoria, Monash Children’s Hospital, and all who assisted when Ben was injured.

Flowers have been left at the nets by mourners in the intervening days.