Tributes are pouring in for Sussex cricketer Matthew Hobden who has died at the age of 22.

Sussex County Cricket Club announced the tragic news earlier this evening.

Former Sussex and England wicketkeeper Matt Prior tweeted: “Thoughts & prayers with all of Matt Hobden's family at this tragic time. A great guy with a huge future taken far too soon.”

England one-day international captain Eoin Morgan tweeted: “Thoughts and prayers are with Matt Hobden's family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”

Former Argus cricket writer Bruce Talbot added: “Awful news from @SussexCCC tonight. Sympathies to Matt Hobden's family. He was a terrific prospect and a lovely guy to talk to.”

Former England Test captain Michael Vaughan wrote: “Didnt know him but heard so much about him... Thoughts with all his friends and family... #RIPMatthew #CricketFamily.”

The Argus:

Mr Popular - Hobden takes the congratulations after a wicket against Warwickshire. Picture by Liz Finlayson

Sussex team-mate Ajmal Shahzad paid his own respects. He tweeted: “Only knew you a year but your were a machine who was going to the top! Will miss you The good ones go too soon. God knows best #RIPHobsey.”

Ed Joyce, who captained Hobden at Sussex, wrote: “In shock. Can't get my head around the news. RIP Matt Hobden. Thoughts with his family #riphobsy.”

Current Sussex captain Luke Wright tweeted: “Devastated to hear the news late last night about Matt! Such a great man & team mate taken far too soon. Gutted. Thoughts with his family.”

Chris Nash said: “Can't describe the feeling of losing such a lovely guy. Great fun in the dressing room and had everything to look forward to xx.”

Steve Magoffin wrote: “Can't comprehend what's happened. Loosing a such great team mate, wonderful cricketer and just a great bloke. #RIPHobsy you will be missed.”

 

Team-mate Harry Finch added: “Speechless can't believe what has happened! Such a hero will miss you so much bud. Thoughts with the hobdens stay strong.”

Glynde and Beddingham Cricket Club, where Hobden played as a youngster, were hit hard by the news. The club tweeted: “Our thoughts are with all his family and friends at this time, amazing talent will be sorely missed by us all. RIP X.”

The news shocked the cricket community, which was reflected in tweets coming in from county cricket clubs across the country plus in addition to clubs throughout Sussex.

Kent County Cricket club tweeted: ”Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family and friends of Matt Hobden and everyone at @SussexCCC.”

Matt Wood, of Brighton and Hove Cricket Club, tweeted: “Just heard to dreadful news about Matt Hobden. Such as shock and such a talent taken too early. Thoughts are with his family.”

No further details have been released at this stage about the circumstances of his death.

Hobden made his first-class debut in 2012 for Cardiff MCCU and his first-team debut for Sussex in a one-day match against Nottinghamshire in 2013.

His first-class Sussex debut came in 2014 and in 2015 he played in 10 Championship matches. Overall he claimed 48 first-class wickets at 39.35.

Also read: Sussex cricketer Matthew Hobden dies at the age of 22