Australia tribute to Luke Batty

Image: Luke Batty

Darren Lehmann has led the tributes from the Australian cricket team for 11-year-old junior cricketer Luke Batty, who tragically lost his life on Wednesday night.

Luke was the victim of a fatal attack after he finished cricket training in Tyabb, Victoria which culminated in his father being shot by police.

All that transpired on the field in the first Test against South Africa was placed in humble, mortal context by the tragic death of the young cricketer in circumstances that deeply affected the players when they learned of the details prior to play beginning.

As a mark of respect, they wore black armbands and coach Darren Lehmann spoke of his team’s response to the news.

"It's obviously a tragic set of events and utterly devastating for the people of Tyabb, especially the Tyabb Cricket Club.” Lehmann said.

“Like everyone in the cricket community, we were shocked by the news.

“We’re obviously a long way from home but wanted to show our support and care for those affected.

“Our hearts go out to Luke’s family, in particular his mother Rosie, his mates and everyone at the Tyabb Cricket Club."

The sentiments were echoed by the wider Cricket Australia family.

“Cricket Australia and the broader Australian cricket community extends its deepest sympathies to the family of Luke Batty, the Tyabb Cricket Club and the communities of the Mornington Peninsula," said Cricket Australia, in a statement.

The Tyabb Cricket Club has also expressed their deepest sympathy to the family of Luke.

“The Club is deeply saddened and shocked by the loss of Luke who was a kind, enthusiastic player with a fantastic personality,” Tyabb Cricket Club said.

“He will be sadly missed by his teammates and the club as a whole. Out of respect to the family and in conjunction with the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association, all Tyabb Cricket Club senior and junior teams will not be playing this weekend.

“We request that at this difficult time, could all media outlets please respect the privacy of the Club and its members and refrain from contacting us further during the grieving period.”

In addition to statement released by the Tyabb Cricket Club, Cricket Victoria Chief Executive Officer Tony Dodemaide said the tragedy would be felt by the entire sport.

“The cricket community mourns the loss of one of its youngest members,” Mr Dodemaide said.

“Our sincerest condolences are extended to the family and friends of Luke Batty and the members of the Tyabb Cricket Club, who we will rally around and offer all the support that we can.

“It is an absolute tragedy to lose a young cricketer in these circumstances.”

Earlier this morning, Victoria Police confirmed the boy's father had died and released information about the tragic incident.

“A man has died following a police shooting in Tyabb last night. The 54-year-old Chelsea Heights man passed away at The Alfred hospital around 1.30am,” said Victoria Police in a statement.

“Emergency services were called to attend the oval on Frankston-Flinders Road around 6.30pm after an 11-year-old boy sustained head injuries. He (the boy) was treated by paramedics at the scene but died.”

Police said a confrontation with the man then took place and after an unsuccessful attempt to subdue him police shot the 54-year-old.

Victoria Police have asked for anyone who witnessed the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.

Social media has been inundated with tributes to Luke and his loved ones.