Tragic news as Sussex cricketer Matthew Hobden dies at the age of just 22

The news of the death of 22-year-old Sussex pace bowler, Matthew Hobden, has given a rude shock everyone this morning. Hobden died in Scotland and the circumstances surrounding his death remains unclear. His passing was announced by his club Sussex.

In a statement posted online, the club 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. Hobden 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.’

The popular bowler studied in Cardiff before turning his focus to a cricket career, playing frequent first-class and limited-overs matches for Sussex in the last two seasons.

Hobden, known as ‘Hobsy’ among his peers and teammates, was touted as one of the possible future England international by England selectors. He was one of six pacemen chosen to take part in the Potential England Performance Programme (PEPP) this winter, a training camp for future Test stars.

The group of bowlers was due to spend time in Johannesburg alongside the senior England side, helping with preparations for the one-day international series against South Africa. Hobden had two first-class five-wicket hauls on his career record.

Cricketers and friends paid tribute to the young cricketer. Former Sussex and England wicketkeeper-batsman Matt Prior expressed wrote on Twitter: ‘Thoughts and prayers with all of Matt Hobden’s family at this tragic time. A great guy with a huge future taken far too soon.

Matt Prior and Eoin Morgan joined tributes to Matthew Hobden after Sussex announced the death of the 22-year-old fast bowler, whom the club described as a “fantastic individual”.

“Thoughts & prayers with all of Matt Hobden’s family at this tragic time,” Prior wrote on Twitter. “A great guy with a huge future taken far too soon.” The former Sussex and England wicketkeeper added: “One of those days when u get a call that puts perspective on things. Live life and love every day as much as you can! So sad! RIPhobsy.”

ED Joyce, his county captain also expressed his grieve on Twitter, “In shock. Can’t get my head around the news. RIP Matt Hobden. Thoughts with his family riphobsy.”