Life-threatening injury! Australian cricketer in critical condition after ball hits neck | Cricket News

A 17-year-old Australian cricketer is in a critical condition after a ball hit his neck during a match (Screengrabs X/@7NewsMelbourne)

A 17-year-old cricketer is fighting for his life after being struck in the neck by a ball during a local T20 match in Melbourne on Tuesday evening.The incident occurred just before 5 p.m. at Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully during a Ferntree Gully match. The teenager was hit while warming up in the nets before play and suffered a critical injury.Bystanders rushed to his aid before paramedics arrived at the ground. The player was immediately transported to Monash Medical Centre, where he remains on life support. The 17-year-old rising star has been put on life support since the incident and has been receiving care since the tragic incident unfolded, as per a 7NEWS Melbourne report.The match was abandoned following the accident, and members of the cricket community have since gathered at the venue to lay flowers and pay their respects. The incident has also drawn comparisons to the tragic 2014 accident that claimed the life of Australia’s cricketer Phil Hughes, who was also struck in the neck by a bouncer, while playing for South Australia against New South Wales in a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Cricket Victoria, Cricket Australia, and the two clubs involved are providing support to players and officials affected by the event.It remains to be seen whether the young player will pull through as he remains in the prayers of many. It also brings forth the debate as to whether the current safety standards in the sport are sufficient.