Chris Nash has paid tribute to former team mate Matt Hobden and his family after his first-day century.

Nash made 119 of Sussex’s 355-8 on the opening day of their first home Championship fixture of the season, against Essex at Hove.

The game was preceded by a ceremony in honour of Hobden, who died during the winter.

Sussex players wore shirts bearing Hobden’s name and squad number.

Nash turned to his former team mate’s family as he celebrated reaching three figures in his first innings of the season.

He told The Argus: “It was really nice to score the hundred and to have his family there as well.

The Argus:

“We were playing out there for Hobbsy today, as we will for the entire season.”

Nash believes Sussex might just have missed an opportunity for a huge score after he helped Ed Joyce put on 188 for the first wicket.

He said: “We were in a really strong position. But there is something in the wicket for the bowlers.

“We beat Worcestershire on this pitch last season and our guys know where to bowl on it.”

Report from Matt Hobden memorial service - plus Chris Nash on what 'Hobbsy' meant to the team. In The Argus tomorrow.