Sports Equipment
An Australian teenager has lost his life after being struck by a cricket delivery during a practice session in the Australian city.
The 17-year-old player was practicing in cricket cages in the Melbourne suburb on the weekday when he was hit in the head or neck by a delivery from an automatic bowling machine. Reports indicate he was using a helmet at the moment of the incident.
First responders were dispatched to the scene just prior to 5 PM local time and the young man was transported to the children's medical facility in grave state. He was put on life support but died on the following day.
The boy's community sports organization stated they were "absolutely devastated" by the "tragic passing" of one of their team members and that the youngster's death "will impact by everyone in our cricket community".
"I know how strongly this information will land across our local area and we will offer any and all support we can to our clubs and cricket family," stated the community sports leader.
In a online statement, the young man's sports team offered their sympathies to his family and close companions and "to all of those who were acquainted with him and the joy that he brought".
"We request you to please respect the personal space of the family during this challenging period," the post added.
This tragedy occurs just over a decade after a previous Australian cricketer died after being hit on the upper body by a ball while batting in a national tournament.
That earlier tragedy, for which investigators determined no fault could be assigned, catalyzed improvements to protective gear for those participating in the game.
The cricket world continues to emphasize the importance of adequate protective gear and vigilance during training sessions and competitive matches.
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