Cricket star ‘fell to his death after going to sleep

A rising cricket star tipped to be a future England international is believed to have plunged to his death after falling asleep on the roof of a country house.

The body of 22-year-old Sussex fast bowler Matthew Hobden was discovered by Police Scotland officers at a Dalvey House, in Forres, near Inverness, on Saturday.

Officers are continuing to investigate the death but said there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.

The Mirror reports that Mr Hobden and fellow guests had sat on the roof the evening before to look at the stars.
Officers are now investigating whether the young sportsman fell asleep, and then fell to his death.  
Hobden was seen as a promising cricketer and was one of six fast bowlers chosen to take part in the Potential England Performance Programme this winter.

The group were due to spend time in Johannesburg alongside the senior England side, helping with preparations for the one-day international series against South Africa.

In a statement released through Police Scotland, his family said: 'We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of Matthew who had been celebrating the new year with friends in the Forres area.

'We now ask that we are left alone to deal with the tragic circumstances that have unfolded and are allowed to grieve in private at this difficult time.'

The body of 22-year-old Sussex fast bowler Mr Hobden was discovered by Police Scotland officers at a Dalvey House, in Forres, near Inverness, on Saturday

A number of senior players and coaches paid tribute to Hobden when his death was announced at the weekend.
Sussex coach Mark Davis gave his players the week off to come to terms with the death.

'I've given the boys a week away to make sure they can gather their thoughts and be around their loved ones, process what's happened and reflect a little bit as well,' he told the Guardian.

'We all met on Sunday morning, after we got the awful news, just to get everyone together.

'Everyone will grieve in different ways but it was good to support each other. We need to stay strong to get through this tough time.'

In a statement posted online, the club said: 'Sussex Cricket is deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Matthew Hobden.

'Matthew was an exciting young cricketer with a big future ahead of him in the game. He was a fantastic individual who had progressed through Sussex's youth and academy ranks, having been born locally in Eastbourne.

'He made his first-class debut for Sussex in 2014 and had represented the county across all three formats over the past two seasons. He will be greatly missed.

'Sussex would like to offer their deepest condolences to Matthew's family and friends at this difficult time.

'Players and staff will be offered as much support as is possible and we would like both Matthew's family, and everyone connected with Sussex Cricket, to be respected with privacy at this time.'

The popular bowler studied in Cardiff before turning his focus to a cricket career, playing frequent first-class and limited-overs matches for Sussex in the last two seasons.

England selectors had earmarked him as a possible future international. He was one of six pace-men chosen to take part in the Potential England Performance Programme (PEPP) this winter, a training camp for future Test stars.

The group of bowlers were due to spend time in Johannesburg alongside the senior England side, helping with preparations for the upcoming one-day international series against South Africa. 

Players and friends have paid tribute to the young cricketer — known as Hobsy — in the wake of his death. 

Former Sussex and England wicketkeeper-batsman Matt Prior wrote on Twitter: 'Thoughts and prayers with all of Matt Hobden's family at this tragic time. A great guy with a huge future taken far too soon.

'One of those days when u get a call that puts perspective on things. Live life and love everyday as much as you can! So sad! #RIPhobsy' 

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

Former England captain Paul Collingwood also paid his respects, saying: ' So saddened to hear about the death of Matt Hobden, an extremely talented young cricketer at Sussex. All our thoughts are with his family'

And his Durham team-mate, England international Graham Onions added: 'Heartbreaking news about Matt Hobden. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends #RIPhobsy' 

Hobden was making his way in professional cricket and had a rocky spell with the ball early last season, bowling a host of no-balls in a match against Middlesex.

That prompted Sussex's then captain Ed Joyce to come to his defence and predict he would become a major asset to the team.

Speaking at the time, Joyce said of Hobden: 'We really want him to be a luxury bowler who is able to run in and bowl fast and if he is not getting a spell right we can take him off and bring someone else on.

'I think Matt will be a fantastic cricketer for Sussex in the future but he is still young and learning his trade at the moment.'

On learning of Hobden's death, Joyce said: 'In shock. Can't get my head around the news. RIP Matt Hobden. Thoughts with his family #riphobsy' 
Born in Eastbourne, Hobden was educated at Millfield School in Somerset, where he was friends with singer Ella Eyre.

She shared her distress at the news online, posting: 'Unbelievably sad to hear about a lovely lad I went to school with, Matt Hobden passing age 22, far too young, rest in peace x'

Ashley Giles, England's former limited-overs coach, added:  Thoughts with Matt Hobden's family and friends. Puts worrying about a game of cricket in perspective. Sad news' 

The Professional Cricketers' Association added: '@pca are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Matt Hobden. Our thoughts and condolences with Matt's family, friends and colleagues.'