Former Warwickshire fast bowler Tom Allin dies aged 28

Tom Allin, who represented Warwickshire County Cricket Club until 2013, died on Monday evening after falling from the Torridge Bridge in Bideford, north Devon. The cricketing world has been hit by a second tragedy in the space of a few days after a 28-year-old bowler fell from a bridge near his home which proved fatal.

News of Allin’s death comes just five days after the body of Matthew Hobden, the 22-year-old Sussex fast bowler, was discovered in Forres, near Inverness, by Police Scotland officers.

Emergency services attempted to resuscitate Allin after police were called to the area but he was pronounced dead at the scene. His death is not being treated as suspicious. Today, as tributes flooded in from well-known members of the cricketing community, Allin’s father Tony, who himself played county cricket, also paid an emotional tribute to his son.

Speaking from the family home in Bideford, the 61-year-old said, “It was a privilege to watch him play. He was a fine cricketer and a fine lad. We had wonderful times watching his career unfold. He will be sorely missed.”

Allin, who spent six years at the club before returning to his home in Bideford, Devon, was described as a popular member of the squad. He took a break from representative cricket in 2014, concentrating on earning a living away from the pro game, before settling back into the club game with North Devon CC. He had also worked as a professional cricket coach.

A statement on Warwickshire’s website read: ‘Everyone at Edgbaston is immensely saddened by the news that former Warwickshire fast bowler Tom Allin has died. Tom was an incredibly popular member of the professional squad during his six years with Warwickshire, and he made one First-class and one List A appearance before returning to his native Devon at the end of the 2013 season. The thoughts of all at Warwickshire County Cricket Club are with Tom’s family and friends, and we would ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.’

Following news of the second death, tributes began flooding in for the pair.

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