Police investigate Sussex paceman’s death

England

The death of Sussex fast bowler Matt Hobden is being investigated by police in Scotland, who say his sudden death on Saturday night is 'unexplained' though not suspicious.

The 22-year-old paceman died near Inverness and no cause has been given, and the police are investigating further. Hobden was on track to be a Test paceman for England, according to his coaches.

A police statement read: "The death of the male, who is believed to be from the Sussex area, is currently being treated as unexplained.

"Enquiries are at a very early stage but there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances. A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal as is usual procedure."

Meanwhile, his club in Sussex, Preston Nomads, released a tribute to 'BMH', as he had been playing for them since 2012, in between his Sussex commitments.

The club said: "The Big Matt Hobden (BMH) arrived with the talents, and on a trajectory, that made it clear he was destined for the upper reaches of the professional arena.

"So it swiftly proved, playing for Cardiff MCCU from 2013 and signing his first professional contract in 2014, which necessarily reduced his availability for our 1st XI to a handful more outings.

"Though our time with the BMH was brief, it was brilliant. His performance with the ball was at times hostile to the point of brutal and, having seen him contribute several useful innings with the bat, we were perhaps less surprised than many by his part in the record-breaking 10th wicket stand for Sussex in 2015.

"A big, ever smiling, ever joyful young lad, the very definition of popular, he was always a delight to be around. Even with his career going from strength to strength he always had time for us all.

"That we will not see how far his talent will take him is a heartbreaking injustice. That no one will get to spend time with Matt again is too awful for words. We are devastated for his parents, brothers, loved ones, friends, team-mates."

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