Young Australian cricketer Ben Austin dies in hospital after being struck by ball in practice nets

A young cricketer critically injured in an incident in Melbourne this week has died in hospital.

The ABC understands teenager Ben Austin was facing an automatic bowling machine in the cricket nets and was wearing a helmet when he was struck by a ball.

Ambulance Victoria said paramedics were called to the Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully on Tuesday afternoon and took the boy to Monash Medical Centre in a critical condition.

The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club issued a statement on Thursday morning saying the teenager had died.

The club said it was "devastated" by the death 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," the club said on social media.

Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association president Arnie Walters said the boy was "both talented and popular in local cricket".

"I know how heavily this news will land across our community and we will provide any and all support we can to our clubs and cricket family," he said.

Ben was also involved with Mulgrave Cricket Club and Eildon Park Cricket Club.

Teenager 'much loved'

Victorian Education Minister Ben Carroll said his department was offering assistance in the wake of the teenager's death.

"The Department of Education is on hand now supporting all fellow students of Ben. We will wrap our arms around them and give them every support that they need," he said.

"This is a tragedy that will last many, many years for that local community and I want to thank everyone, from the volunteers to the first responders that were onsite.

"Our heartfelt condolences and thoughts are with Ben's family. He was obviously someone that lit up every room he walked into."

Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football Club, where the teenager played junior football, said he was "a kind, respectful, popular and much loved player at our club".

"He supported his teammates and was a support to all of the kids that he played with. He had a wide network of great friends who will miss him dearly," the club said in a statement.

"Our club and community have lost a truly great young person who was developing into a fine young adult and his loss will be felt keenly by our club for many years to come."

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