A Melbourne cricketer has died after he was struck by a ball before a T20 match.

The incident happened at Walley Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully, in Melbourne’s southeast, about 4.45pm on Tuesday.

Ben Austin, 17, was reportedly warming up in the nets before a match between Ferntree Gully and Eildon Park when he was struck in the head and neck area.

Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance and Advanced Life paramedics treated the boy at the scene and rushed him to Monash Medical Centre in a critical condition.

On Thursday morning, the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club confirmed the boy’s death.

“We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community,” the club statement read.

“We ask you to please respect the privacy of Ben’s fami

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