County cricketer Matthew Hobden dies aged 22
Matthew Hobden, an English cricketer regarded as one of the most talented up-and-coming players in the country, has died. He was 22.
The England and Wales Cricket Board announced Hobden’s death on Sunday. It didn’t give a cause of death.
Hobden was a seam bowler who had been selected for the Potential England Performance program for each of the last two years. He played county cricket for Sussex.
“As a player, I remember the first time I saw him just thinking, ‘Wow,”’ said Kevin Shine, the ECB’s lead fast bowling coach. “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.”
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.
Hobden made his first-class debut in 2014 and represented Sussex in all formats of the game.
“Matthew was an exciting young cricketer with a big future ahead of him in the game,” Sussex said in a statement.
Sussex Cricket statement regarding Matthew Hobden: http://t.co/CnjIFbwhdc
— Sussex CCC (@SussexCCC) January 2, 2016
Such sad news about Matthew Hobden. Thoughts and prayers with his family and @SussexCCC at this time.
— Ian Bell (@Ian_Bell) January 3, 2016
Such sad news to hear of Matthew Hobden. Thoughts and prayers with friends, family and Sussex CCC.
— Jos Buttler (@josbuttler) January 3, 2016
R.I.P Matthew Hobden…horrible news to wake up to,thoughts with the family and everyone at @SussexCCC #cricketfamily
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) January 3, 2016
Sad news to hear of the passing of Sussex youngster Matt Hobden. Taken far too soon. Thoughts are with his family #riphobsy #cricketfamily
— Sarah Taylor (@Sarah_Taylor30) January 3, 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
Very shocked and saddened by the news of Matthew Hobden. Thoughts are with the Hobden family. #RIPMatthew #CricketFamily
— Ravi Bopara (@ravibopara) January 2, 2016
So saddened to hear about the death of Matt Hobden, an extremely talented young cricketer at Sussex. All our thoughts are with his family
— Paul Collingwood (@Colly622) January 2, 2016
We would like to send our condolences to the family & friends of Matthew Hobden, and to everyone at @SussexCCC. Terrible news #cricketfamily
— Yorkshire CCC (@YorkshireCCC) January 2, 2016
Thoughts and prayers are with Matt Hobden’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
— Eoin Morgan (@Eoin16) January 2, 2016
No words. Should have been many, many more photos like this. Miss you mate. RIP x pic.twitter.com/8YvMOVMWJR
— Tymal Mills (@tmills15) January 2, 2016
