I was devastated to hear of the death of Umer Rashid while on Sussex County Cricket Club's tour.

It has really put a dampener on what was a pre-season full of enthusiasm and expectancy.

Although he was not a first-team regular, as a confidence player he always gave his all for the county, even though it didn't always work out.

His efforts meant that when he did well I was happy because he was the type of guy you wanted to succeed. I was privileged to be among the few supporters at Riverside last season when he was the match-winner in a very crucial championship match.

He was always a very approachable young man, without that arrogant big-headedness that is often apparent in younger guys these days.

I shall miss him, as I am sure many other members will, and it almost goes without saying that his fellow playing colleagues will too.

I am at least honoured to own his replica National League shirt, which he kindly gave me after the 2000 relegation season.

I respect his family's request for privacy but offer my sincere condolences to them. He is gone from us but will never be forgotten.

-Stuart J Ashby, Buckingham Road, Shoreham