Players around globe in shock after Sussex confirm county cricketer Matthew Hobden has passed away
England fast bowler dies, aged 22
The English cricket fraternity has been rocked by the sudden death of Sussex fast bowler Matthew Hobden.
The county club confirmed on Sunday morning that the 22-year-old, who played 18 first class games, had died.
"Sussex Cricket is deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Matthew Hobden," they said in a statement.
"Matthew was an exciting young cricketer with a big future ahead of him in the game. He was a fantastic individual who had progressed through Sussex's Youth and Academy ranks, having been born locally in Eastbourne.
"He made his first-class debut for Sussex in 2014 and had represented the county across all three formats over the past two seasons. He will be greatly missed."
Hobden had been a regular in England Cricket's Potential England Performance Programme (PEPP) over the past 12 months and was touted as a possible future international player.
The group of bowlers were due to spend time in Johannesburg alongside the senior England side, helping with preparations for the upcoming one-day international series against South Africa.
Players took to social media to pay their tributes to the youngster.
Deeply saddened by the news of matt hobdens passing hard to see why these things happen at all let alone great ppl.hang in there @SussexCCC
— John Hastings (@johnhastings194) January 2, 2016
It just goes to show that life is short and you need to cherish every moment you have. #ripmatthobden
— John Hastings (@johnhastings194) January 2, 2016
Just heard the terrible news about my ex @SussexCCC club mate Matt Hobden. Very sad and horrendous for everyone who knew him. #RIP
— Scott Styris (@scottbstyris) January 3, 2016
"Devastated to hear the news late last night about Matt! Such a great man & team mate taken far too soon. Gutted. Thoughts with his family," tweeted Melbourne Stars batsman Luke Wright.
"Very shocked and saddened by the news of Matthew Hobden. Thoughts are with the Hobden family. #RIPMatthew #CricketFamily," posted Ravi Bopara.
"Thoughts & prayers with all of Matt Hobden's family at this tragic time. A great guy with a huge future taken far too soon. #riphobsy." wrote former Sussex and England wicketkeeper Matt Prior.
Hobden took 48 wickets at an average of 39.35 for Sussex and had recently been named in the fast-bowling group for the potential England performance program.
No details of his death have been released.