Sussex pace bowler Matthew Hobden’s death being treated as ‘unexplained’

Matt Hobden’s body was was discovered by Police Scotland officers at a property in Forres, near Inverness, on Saturday
The 22-year-old progressed through Sussex’s youth and academy ranks
Hobden studied at university in Cardiff before turning his focus to cricket

Published:
21:24 GMT, 3 January 2016

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Updated:
21:36 GMT, 3 January 2016

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The death of cricketer Matthew Hobden is being treated as ‘unexplained’, Police Scotland has said.

The body of the 22-year-old Sussex fast bowler was discovered by Police Scotland officers at a property in Forres, near Inverness, on Saturday.

Officers are investigating the death but said there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.

The death of cricketer Matthew Hobden is being treated as ‘unexplained’, Police Scotland has said

Hobden studied at university in Cardiff before turning his focus to a cricket career, playing frequent first-class and limited-overs matches for Sussex over the past two seasons.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: ‘Police Scotland can confirm officers were called to the death of a 22-year-old male in the Forres area on Saturday January 2.

‘The death of the man, who is believed to be from Sussex, is being treated as unexplained.

‘Enquiries are at an early stage but there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.

Hobden’s body was discovered by Police Scotland officers at a property in Forres on Saturday

‘A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal, as is the usual standard.’

Hobden was earmarked for a bright future in the game and was one of six fast bowlers chosen to take part in the Potential England Performance Programme this winter.

The group were due to spend time in Johannesburg alongside the senior England side, helping with preparations for the one-day international series against South Africa.

Sussex paid tribute to Hobden in a statement on Saturday.

It read: ‘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.

The 22-year-old was one chosen to take part in the Potential England Performance Programme this winter

‘He will be greatly missed.

‘Sussex would like to offer their deepest condolences to Matthew’s family and friends at this difficult time.’

Former Sussex and England wicketkeeper-batsman Matt Prior expressed his sadness at the news.

‘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. #riphobsy

Former Sussex and England wicketkeeper Matt Prior was among those to express their condolences

Prior took to Twitter to give Hobden’s grieving family members his support at this very difficult time

‘One of those days when u get a call that puts perspective on things. Live life and love everyday as much as you can! So sad! #RIPhobsy’

Hobden had two first-class five-wicket hauls on his career record.

Hobden was due to travel to South Africa this month.

A message on the England cricket team’s Facebook page read: ‘We are shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Matthew Hobden. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and team-mates.’

England’s players wore black armbands on day two of their Test with South Africa.