Phillip Hughes’ family sends deeply personal message to Ben Austin’s grief-stricken family

The family of former Australian Test cricket star Phillip Hughes has sent a heartfelt tribute to Ben Austin after the teenager’s tragic death.

Austin, 17, died after being struck by a ball in the nets while warming up for a senior T20 game in Ferntree Gully on Tuesday afternoon. He was wearing a helmet when the incident occurred.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Teenager cricket dies in pre-match accident.

Austin was rushed to hospital in the care of specialised paramedics but tragically passed away on Wednesday.

The teenager’s death was eerily similar to Hughes, who died nearly 11 years ago after being struck by a ball while playing state cricket for New South Wales.

Hughes’ family released a statement on Thursday.

“We would like to send our deepest condolences to the Austin family for the loss of their adored son and brother, Ben.,” the family said.

“Our thoughts are with you, the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club and the greater cricket community as we think of Ben and his love of cricket.

“We send our warmest sympathies as you navigate through this time, as we know all too well … and hope your cherished memories of Ben comfort you.”

Ben’s father Jace revealed a teammate was bowling when the accident occurred.

“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,” Jace said in a statement.

“We would also like to support his teammate who was bowling in the nets - this accident has impacted two young men and our thoughts are with he and his family as well.”

He thanked first responders and hospital staff who worked to save his son.

“We will cherish Ben forever,” he said.

The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club said it was devastated by Ben’s death.

“The impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community,” a spokesman said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family - Jace, Tracey, Cooper and Zach, his extended family, his friends and to all of those who knew Ben and the joy that he brought.”

Flowers, cards, lollies, a drink bottle and cricket bats were laid at the nets as a tribute to the teenager.

The bat was inscribed with several messages including “rest easy Benny” and “forever 14 not out” - a reference to Phillip Hughes and “forever 63 not out” after the former Test star’s death.

Cricket Victoria chief executive Nick Cummins said the cricketing community was devastated and the tragedy struck “very close to the heart” as his son had played with Ben.

“He loved being outdoors, loved being with his friends, and very, very well liked within his cricket club and more broadly with his peers,” Mr Cummins told AAP.

Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football Club, where Ben was a senior player, said the death marked the loss of a truly great young person.

“Ben was a kind, respectful, popular and much-loved player at our club,” the club said in a statement.

“He had a wide network of great friends who will miss him dearly.”

The teenager was involved with the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, Mulgrave Cricket Club and Eildon Park Cricket Club.

- With AAP