Young Cricketer Placed on Life Support After Being Hit by Ball in Nets Before T20 Clash

A local T20 match at Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully was abandoned after a 17-year-old Melbourne cricketer collapsed during a warm-up session. The young player, a Rowville Secondary College student known for his promise in cricket and football, was struck by a ball in the nets. The incident has since drawn widespread concern from Cricket Victoria and the wider sporting community.

Local T20 game abandoned after young Melbourne cricketer collapses during warm-up

The incident happened at about 4:45 p.m. at Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully, which is a suburban area in Melbourne’s outer east. The young guy, who was a student at Rowville Secondary College’s sports academy and a promising talent in both local cricket and football, was taking part in a net session before a Twenty20 (T20) tournament match between Ferntree Gully Cricket Club and Eildon Park. Although he wasn’t set to play in the senior game, he was just warming up with his teammates.

A young cricketer is in the fight of his life after a horror incident at a match in Melbourne’s east. A ball hit the teenager in the neck, causing critical injuries. @ainsleykoch has the latest from Ferntree Gully. https://t.co/5zYfOfGqUb #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/8qCSsv4XiJ

— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) October 29, 2025

According to various reports, the boy was receiving throw-downs from a “whanger” or dog ball launcher rather than going up against a live bowler. He was wearing a helmet at that time. The ball hit him in the neck area, with some sources also mentioning a hit to the head, which made him collapse instantly. The match was swiftly abandoned as the gravity of the situation became obvious, leaving players from both teams in shock, many of whom knew the young player well.

A Ferntree Gully teen is fighting for life after a tragic mishap at cricket training.

The boy suffered traumatic injuries after he was struck by a ball while batting in the nets. @gillianlant #9News pic.twitter.com/bJZWFPhtzA

— 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) October 29, 2025

This local T20 match was part of the Ringwood and District Cricket Association’s tournament, showcasing the grassroots level where the incident took place. Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, where the young player had earned multiple awards as a rising star, was the host for the game.

Cricket Victoria expected to issue statement on hospitalized teen cricketer soon

As of October 29, 2025, the 17-year-old is still in critical condition at Monash Medical Centre, on life support and battling for his life. His family is keeping a vigil by his bedside, with friends also visiting throughout the day. The hospital hasn’t commented on his condition, but Cricket Victoria is likely to give more updates soon. There haven’t been any major changes in his condition since the incident.

Michael Finn confirms solidarity with injured player’s family and the local cricket community

The cricket community has come together to support the clubs in need, with leaders showing their heartbreak and dedication to help. Michael Finn, president of the Ringwood and District Cricket Association, shared this with 7News., “Currently, our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” adding, “We’re committed to providing whatever support is needed for the clubs and officials involved.”.

In a separate statement to The Age, Finn reiterated, “Currently our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” and “We’re committed to providing whatever support we need to for the clubs and the officials that were involved.” He also confirmed awareness of the incident to 9News, emphasizing solidarity with the player and his family.

On Wednesday night, Cricket Victoria sent someone to the Ferntree Gully club to provide counseling and emotional support to teammates, club members, and friends.

Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia have been reached out for further comments and are offering resources to those affected.

The tragedy has gone beyond just the cricket field, impacting the boy’s school community. The Department of Education set up counselors at Rowville Secondary College on Wednesday to help students and staff cope. As part of the college’s sports academy, where he shone in various sports, his classmates and teachers are struggling with the news.