The family of Ben Austin has issued a heartbreaking statement after the youngster died in a freak accident before a cricket match.

The 17-year-old was struck by a ball in the nets while warming up for a senior T20 game in Ferntree Gully on Tuesday afternoon. He was wearing a helmet when the incident occurred.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Teen cricketer dies in tragic accident.

Austin was rushed to hospital in the care of specialised paramedics but tragically passed away on Wednesday.

“We are utterly devastated by the passing of our beautiful Ben, who died earlier on Thursday morning,” Jace Austin, Ben’s father, said in a statement via Cricket Victoria.

“For Tracey and I, Ben was an adored son, deeply loved brother to Cooper and Zach, and a shining light in the lives of our family and fr

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