The Australian cricket community is in a state of mourning following the tragic death of a 17-year-old player, Ben Astin, who died after being struck by a ball during a practice session. The incident is a heartbreaking reminder of the death of Phillip Hughes 11 years ago.
According to Australian media, the devastating accident occurred earlier this week at a training session in Melbourne East. Cricket Victoria confirmed the news, stating that Astin was hit in the neck by a ball delivered from a “throwing device.”
Reports indicate that while the young cricketer was wearing a helmet, it was not equipped with a “stem guard,” the specific attachment designed to protect the neck area.
Ambulance Victoria paramedics treated Astin at the scene and transported him to the hospital in critical condition. Tragically, he passed away in the hospital. The Head of Cricket Victoria noted the shocking similarity of the injury to the one that caused the death of Australian national player Phillip Hughes in 2014.
