A 17-year-old Australian cricketer namee Ben Austin died after being struck on the neck during a practice session in Melbourne.
According to Australian media, the incident occurred earlier this week in Melbourne’s east, where Ben suffered a serious injury while training. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but doctors later confirmed that he had died.
Cricket Victoria said a ball from a throwing device hit Ben on the neck. The board confirmed that he was wearing a helmet but did not have a stem guard attached.
Head of Cricket Victoria, Nick Cummins, said the incident was eerily similar to the fatal accident that claimed the life of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes 11 years ago. Hughes died in 2014 after being struck on the neck by a bouncer during a domestic match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Cricket Australia, club officials, and Ben’s family expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident.