A 17-year-old cricketer who was struck by a ball in the head and neck during training has passed away in hospital.

Ben Austin has been described by a former coach as a ‘quiet, respectful kid’ and a ‘great teammate.’

“He’d be the first one to come to you after a training session or after a game and shake your hand,” Mick Mastromanno, President of the Waverly Park Hawks, said on 3AW’s Wide World of Sports.

Press PLAY to hear his heartfelt tribute

“He was loved by all of his teammates, lots of people are hurting tonight.”

Image: Nine