SOMERSET captain Marcus Trescothick has led the county's tributes to Sussex cricketer and former Millfield School pupil, Matthew Hobden who passed away on Saturday.

Sussex announced the death of the 22-year-old fast bowler on Saturday night and police are currently treating the death as ‘unexplained’.

Hobden was earmarked for a bright future in the game and was one of six pacemen chosen to take part in the Potential England Performance Programme (PEPP) this winter.

Trescothick and a number of other Somerset players took to Twitter to pay tribute to the youngster.

The Somerset captain tweeted: ‘Terrible news to hear about Matt Hobdon thoughts with his family and friends and all @SussexCCC’. 

Jim Allenby tweeted: ‘Yet another reminder that cricket is just a game, such a sad day. Thinking of all close to Matthew #riphobsy #CricketFamily’. 

Jack Leach, who played for Cardiff MCCU with Hobden, tweeted: ‘Rest in peace Hobbo...lots of love mate’ – while the Overton twins, Craig and Jamie also paid tribute.

Craig tweeted: ‘Absolutely terrible news about Matt Hobden. Certainly puts life into perspective!! #RIP #CricketFamily’

Jamie added: ‘Terrible news regarding Matt Hobden, thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and all at @SussexCCC at this time #riphobbsy’

Hobden studied at university in Cardiff before turning his focus to a cricket career, playing frequent first-class and limited-overs matches for Sussex over the past two seasons.

He 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.

Joyce said in The Argus newspaper in May: "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"

Sussex said in a statement: "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."

Additional reporting by the Press Association.