🔗 Share this article Devastation Occurs as Teenage Cricketer Passes Away in Australian City After Being Hit by Cricket Ball Cricket Equipment A teenage player has died in Melbourne after being struck by a cricket delivery An Australian teenager has tragically died after being hit by a cricket ball during a training drill in the Australian city. The 17-year-old player was practicing in cricket nets in Ferntree Gully on the weekday when he was hit in the upper body by a ball from an mechanical bowler. It's believed he was using a helmet at the time of the accident. First responders were called to the location shortly before 5 PM in the afternoon and the young man was transported to Monash Children's Hospital in grave state. He was placed on life support but succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday. Community Reaction and Support The boy's community sports organization stated they were "absolutely devastated" by the "untimely death" of one of their team members and that the youngster's passing "will impact by all in our cricket community". "I know how strongly this information will impact across our community and we will offer any and all support we can to our teams and sports community," said the local cricket association president. In a social media post, the young man's sports team extended their condolences to his loved ones and close companions and "to all of those who knew him and the happiness that he provided". "We request you to please honor the personal space of the loved ones during this difficult time," the message added. Protective Concerns in The Sport This incident happens just over a ten years after another national player passed away after being struck on the neck by a delivery while batting in a national tournament. That previous tragedy, for which investigators determined no-one was to blame, sparked enhancements to protective gear for those playing the sport. Helmet protection requirements were enhanced Upper body protection became increasingly standard Equipment testing protocols were strengthened The sports community continues to emphasize the critical nature of proper safety equipment and awareness during practice drills and competitive matches.