'Bats out for Benny': Shattered cricket community gather at heartbreaking memorial for teenager killed at training

A shattered cricket community has come together to celebrate the life of Ben Austin, the youngster who died this week after he was struck in the neck by a ball when batting in the nets.

The 17-year-old was warming up for a T20 match in Ferntree Gully, in Melbourne's East, on Tuesday when the tragedy unfolded. 

Paramedics rushed the teenager to Monash Children's Hospital where he was placed on life support shortly before passing away.

At the scene of the tragedy, flower bouquets, cricket bats and even chocolate has been left by grieving friends, who created a memorial for the highly talented teenager.

One cricket bat reads: 'I will never forget the memories we shared with each other on the field and off the field. You will always have a place in my heart and I will forever remember you.'

Another signed off with: 'I loved being around you, (you) were always so nice, caring, and considerate of others. Always a leader and someone I looked up to.'

Friend and teammate Liam Vertigan said Ferntree Gully Cricket Club was in a state of shock over the death of such an energetic young man.

'He lived and breathed his cricket,' he said.

'He was loved by us all, very, very polite, always with a smile on his face.'

Ben's father Jace Austin revealed a teammate was bowling in the nets at the time, describing what happened as a freak accident.

Austin said he and his wife Tracey were devastated and will forever cherish their boy.

'Ben was an adored son, deeply loved brother to Cooper and Zach and a shining light in the lives of our family and friends,' he said in a statement.

'This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we find some comfort that he was doing something he did for so many summers - going down to the nets with mates to play cricket.'

Aussie cricket great Merv Hughes said Ben's death would have been felt across the nation.

'It doesn't matter what level of cricket you play, there's always a chance that something like this happens,' he told reporters.

'Right across Australia and throughout the world, no doubt people will be thinking of him.'

The tragedy follows the death of Test cricketer Phillip Hughes in 2014, who was struck in the neck with a ball while batting in a Sheffield Shield game for South Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Hughes’ family were among those sending condolences to Ben’s loved ones, expressing hope that they would be comforted by cherished memories of the teenager.

On Friday, KIIS FM radio presenters Kyle and Jackie O donated $10,000 to the Austin family via a GoFundMe page - and Ben's uncle David admitted it has been a harrowing week.

'Life throws up a lot of curveballs and challenges, but there's nothing that can prepare you for something like this,' he told listeners.

'We've been totally overwhelmed by the love and support. It's been worldwide. 

'I think in situations like this, to see the good come out in so many people, it warms your heart. And we couldn't be more grateful for everyone who's sent a message or donated.'