A teenage cricketer has died after being struck by a cricket ball during a practice session.

Ben Austin, 17, had been in the nets during a session in Ferntree Gully, Melbourne on Tuesday when he was hit in the neck by a ball.

The ball had been thrown using a handheld ball launcher.

Ben had been wearing a helmet but no neck guard whilst training in the nets.

After emergency workers attended the scene, Ben was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

He was put on life support after arriving in hospital but sadly passed away on Thursday.

In a statement, his dad Jace Austin said: "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 friends.

"This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we find some comfort tha

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