đź”— Share this article Heartbreak Hits as Teenage Cricketer Dies in Melbourne Following Impact by Cricket Ball Sports Gear A teenage player has died in the city after being struck by a cricket delivery An Australian young sportsman has lost his life after being hit by a cricket ball during a training drill in the Australian city. The 17-year-old player was practicing in cricket cages in Ferntree Gully on the weekday when he was hit in the upper body by a delivery from an automatic bowling machine. It's believed he was wearing a helmet at the moment of the incident. First responders were dispatched to the location just prior to 17:00 in the afternoon and the teenager was transported to Monash Children's Hospital in critical condition. He was placed on life support but succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday. Local Reaction and Support The teenager's local cricket club stated they were "completely heartbroken" by the "untimely death" of one of their players and that the youngster's death "will be felt by everyone in our sports family". "I understand how strongly this news will impact across our community and we will offer every possible support we can to our clubs and cricket family," stated the local cricket association president. In a social media post, the young man's sports team extended their sympathies to his family and friends and "to all of those who were acquainted with him and the happiness that he brought". "We request you to please honor the privacy of the family during this difficult time," the post added. Protective Considerations in The Sport This incident occurs just over a decade after a previous national player passed away after being hit on the neck by a delivery while batting in a national tournament. That previous tragedy, for which investigators ultimately found no-one was to blame, sparked enhancements to safety equipment for those playing the sport. Head protection protection requirements were enhanced Upper body protection became increasingly standard Equipment testing protocols were enhanced The sports community continues to stress the critical nature of proper safety equipment and vigilance during practice drills and competitive matches.