Teen fighting for life after being struck on the neck in cricket nets

A teenage cricketer is on life support, surrounded by family in a Melbourne hospital, after he was critically injured when a net session took a tragic turn in the city’s outer east.

Emergency services were called to Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully at 4.45pm on Tuesday after the boy was struck in the neck by a ball while training.

He was facing throw-downs delivered with the help of a “wanger” - similar to a dog-ball launcher – commonly used in net sessions.

The teenager, a student at Rowville Secondary College’s dedicated sports academy, was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident.

Specialist paramedics treated him at the scene before he was transported by road ambulance to Monash Medical Centre in Clayton in a critical condition.

Friends and family were with the teenager in hospital during the day on Wednesday, and by late afternoon his condition was unchanged.

The match was part of a Twenty20 tournament run by the Ringwood and District Cricket Association, according to the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club Facebook page.

The teenager was not listed to play in the game, against Eildon Park, but was training as clubmates warmed up. The fixture was abandoned once the gravity of the situation became clear.

Association chair Michael Finn said the organisation was offering its full support to those affected.

“Currently our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” Finn said.

“We’re committed to providing whatever support we need to for the clubs and the officials that were involved.”

The Department of Education has arranged for counsellors to be on-site at Rowville Secondary College to support students and staff.

A Cricket Victoria official was present at the club on Wednesday night to provide support for teammates, club members and friends, and the state association was expected to provide updates about the boy’s condition.

Cricket Victoria, Cricket Australia and Ferntree Gully Cricket Club have been contacted for more information. Monash Medical Centre declined to comment.

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