MATT HOBDEN, THE SUSSEX BOWLER, HAS DIED AT THE AGE OF 22

Matt Hobden, the Sussex bowler, has died at the age of 22 Matt Hobden, the Sussex pace bowler, has died suddenly at the age of 22. The former Eastbourne College student was tipped to have a bright future in the game and was due to travel to South Africa as a member of the Potential England Performance Squad early in the New Year. Hobden first made his mark for Cardiff MCCU for whom he took both of his five wicket hauls in first-class cricket including a best of five for 62 against Warwickshire at Edgbaston in April 2012. Hobden’s victims in only his second first-class appearance included Ian Westwood, Darren Maddy, Tim Ambrose and Rikki Clarke in Warwickshire’s first innings. He made his one day debut for Sussex in 2013 against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge and his County Championship debut a year later, also against Nottinghamshire, at Hove. Hobden became more of a regular in Sussex’s first team in 2015, playing in 10 of their County Championship matches in which he took 23 wickets with a best of four for 48 in the victory over Warwickshire at Hove in May. Hobden took 48 wickets in 18 first-class matches during his career and one in his three one day appearances for Sussex. He made one Twenty20 appearance in 2014. Angus Porter, Chief Executive of the PCA, said: ” The PCA are deeply saddened to hear about the death of Matt Hobden at the age of just 22 and our thoughts and sympathy go out to his family, friends, colleagues and all at Sussex CCC. ” Matt was a young seamer with immense potential and he had been identified by Sussex as a player with a bright future in the game when he took two five wicket hauls playing for Cardiff MCCU. ” The PCA will work closely with Sussex to ensure that their players and coaching staff are supported during this difficult period for the club.” {{ak_sharing}}