Matt Hobden died suddenly on January 2, 2016 at the age of 22. His death was announced by his county, Sussex, who said that "Matthew was an exciting young cricketer with a big future ahead of him in the game." England's lead fast bowling coach Kevin Shine said: "His potential was huge. He was improving rapidly and I'm certain that he would have played for England."

Out of respect for Hobden, England players wore black armbands during the second day of the 2nd test against South Africa the following day.

He was a right-handed batsman and a right-arm fast-medium bowler. Born in Eastbourne, he was educated at Millfield School, Eastbourne College and Cardif Met University. He made his debut in first-class cricket for Cardiff MCCU against Somerset at Taunton Vale Sports Club Ground in 2012 and a second first-class appearance in that season against Warwickshire at Edgbaston bropught him a return of 5 for 62 in Warwickshire's first-innings.

Hobden made his Sussex debut in 2014 and extended his experience t0 18 first-cpolass matches by the end of 2015. He was selected for the England Performance Programme in the winters of 2014/15 and 2015/16. Shine described him as the "strongest, most powerful cricketer I've ever seen on that programme".