Young Australian cricketer Ben Austin dies in training accident

KATHMANDU: Seventeen-year-old aspiring cricketer Ben Austin passed away in Melbourne in a training accident.

Ben was struck on the head and neck by a ball from an automated bowling machine during net practice on Tuesday.

Although he was reportedly wearing a helmet, the impact of the high-speed delivery caused severe injuries.

He was rushed to the hospital and placed on life support, but succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, BBC confirmed.

Ben’s cricket club released a statement, saying, “Ben was a talented and popular player who won hearts both on and off the field. His passing has left us all in shock. We extend our deepest condolences to his family during this heartbreaking time.”