Young Cricketer’s Death On Saturday Shocks Sussex

Tributes to Matthew Hobden pour in as news of the young cricketer’s death is announced by Sussex County Cricket Club this week

Tragedy struck the English cricketing world, as one of its rising stars was found dead on Saturday. Matthew Hobden a fast-medium right-arm bowler who had been No.19 in Sussex’s squad, was found near the town of Forres on the Moray coast, with Scots police investigating the death.

When younger Hobden had played for Glynde & Beddingham and played as part of the team that won the 2012 National Village Cricket Knockout Final held at Lords in London. In the same year he played for the Preston Nomads before landing a first-class cricket debut, whilst still at university, for Cardiff MCCU in a match against Somerset at Taunton Vale.

Young Cricketer’s Death Investigated

Hobden signed a professional contract with Sussex in 2014 having already been part of their junior professional set up and having played for both their Second XI and A-list side. He was seen as a talent to be watched for possible inclusion in an England side and Sussex CCC described him as “An exciting young cricketer with a big future ahead of him in the game.”

“His potential was huge.” Confirmed highly experienced England fast bowling coach Kevin Shine, “I’m certain he would have played for England.” Out of respect for the young cricketer’s death, and his family, the England side turned out wearing black armbands on the second day of the second test against South Africa in Cape Town. His death is currently being treated as “unexplained” although there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances at this early stage of the investigation.