Sussex bowler Matthew Hobden dies at the age of just 22
Sunday 3 January 2016 21:31, UK
Sussex have announced that seam bowler Matthew Hobden has passed away at the age of just 22.
England players wore black armbands in Hobden's memory on the second day of the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town on Sunday.
The paceman studied in Cardiff before concentrating on his cricketing career and featured quite regularly for Sussex over the last two seasons.
The county have released a statement which said: "Sussex Cricket is deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Matthew Hobden.
"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.
"Sussex would like to offer their deepest condolences to Matthew's family and friends at this difficult time.
"Players and staff will be offered as much support as is possible and we would like both Matthew's family, and everyone connected with Sussex Cricket, to be respected with privacy at this time."
Hobden played in 18 first class matches, taking 48 wickets at a cost of 39.35.
He took career best figures of 5-62 when playing for Cardiff University against Warwickshire in 2012 and made a career best 65 not out for Sussex against Durham in April of this year.
He put on 164 in that match with Ollie Robinson, which is a Sussex record for the 10th wicket.
Considered a potential international of the future, he was one of six pacemen chosen to take part in the Potential England Performance Programme (PEPP) this winter.
The group of bowlers were due to spend time in Johannesburg alongside the senior England side, helping with preparations for the one-day international series against South Africa.
Former Sussex and England wicketkeeper-batsman Matt Prior told Sky Sports News HQ: "It's just so unexpected, so tragic, such a young man at the beginning of his career.
"He literally was the life and soul of the dressing room, always bouncing around and he was a huge, huge talent as well. A very fast young bowler who had a hugely bright future.
"I had the misfortune to face him in the nets a few times and he challenegd everyone there.
"Everyone involved with Sussex cricket and every team that he was associated with will only speak very fondly of him and talk about the influence he had in their dressing room as being that bubbly, lively life and soul of the party. Such sad news."
Kevin Shine, the ECB's lead fast bowling coach, said: "He was the strongest, most powerful cricketer I've ever seen on that program, up there with elite athletes from different sports. His potential was huge, he was improving rapidly and I'm certain that he would have played for England."
