Luke Wright completed a rollercoaster week by scoring an emotional half century as Melbourne Stars continued their winning run in the Big Bash League.

Wright dedicated his innings against Hobart Hurricanes to Sussex team-mate Matt Hobden who tragically died in Scotland on Saturday.

The Sussex skipper had learned of Hobden’s death hours after his sensational unbeaten century against derby rivals Melbourne Renegades and had considered flying back to England to grieve with the rest of the Sussex squad at Hove.

Wright decided to stay and showed immense courage to produce another fine innings in front of a big crowd – 33,603 – at the MCG yesterday. His 51 not out from 41 balls helped the Stars chase down Hobart’s total of 124 with five overs and eight wickets to spare.

Both sides wore black armbands in memory of Hobden at the request of Wright and Hurricanes batsman George Bailey – who got to know Hobden during a spell at Hove last summer.

Wright tweeted: “Thank you to both the Stars and Hurricanes for agreeing to wear black armbands tonight out of respect for Hobsy. #cricketfamily.”

Wright recovered from being dropped by Bailey early on and running out former England team-mate Kevin Pietersen after just one ball to hit five fours and one six while putting on an unbroken stand of 99 with Glenn Maxwell.

He looked to the heavens when he pulled Cameron Boyce to the boundary to reach his 50 and take his overall tally in the Big Bash to 1,055 – the fourth highest in the competition’s history.