Kent Cricket’s players have expressed their sadness at the death of Surrey batsman Tom Maynard just hours after playing against him.

Maynard was part of the Surrey Lions side that played against the Kent Spitfires at Beckenham in the Twenty 20 on Sunday afternoon, but news emerged on Monday that he had been killed by a tube train in London.

The 23 year Surrey batsman had been tipped for England action after a bright opening to his career, but the tragic news left Kent players expressing their condolences using twitter to pass on their wishes.

Kent and England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones lead the tributes, tweeting: “Horrendous news about Tom Maynard. Thoughts with rest of Maynard family.”

Kent captain Robert Key added: “Can’t believe the news about Tom Maynard. Desperate. My thoughts go out to his family in a truly awful time.”

Azhar Mahmood tweeted: “My sincere condolences with Tom’s family. Just played against him yesterday,was such a special talent. He will be greatly missed.”

Sam Northeast said: “Really sad news to hear about Tom Maynard. All my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

Kent batsman Sam Billings added: “Shocking and devastating news about Tom Maynard.. Only yday was playing against him! Puts everything in perspective..! #RIP TomMaynard”

Matt Coles tweeted: “Terrible news about Tom Maynard, my thoughts are with his family and friends!”

Former Kent captain David Fulton also tweeted: “Terrible news about Tom Maynard. Gifted player, who would have gone on to play 4 England. Our prayers are with his family and friends RIP Tom.”

A statement from Kent County Cricket Club has also been released:

“All involved with Kent County Cricket Club are deeply saddened to learn this tragic news. All send their condolences to Tom’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and all at Surrey County Cricket Club at this very difficult time.”

As a mark of respect to Tom, Surrey’s Friends Life t20 game against the Hampshire Royals at the Kia Oval that was scheduled for this Wednesday (June 20th) has been postponed.

Surrey Chairman Richard Thompson said: “Our thoughts at this awful time are with Tom’s family and friends and all those that were close to him.

“Tom Maynard was a prodigiously talented young batsman who had made an incredible start to his career and was clearly destined for far greater things. The impact Tom made in such a short period of time for Surrey CCC spoke for itself. There is a profound sense of loss at the passing of Tom. To lose anybody at such a young age is an utterly senseless tragedy.”

ECB Chairman Giles Clarke said: “This is a very sad day for everyone connected with Surrey County Cricket club and for Glamorgan County Cricket club where Tom spent the early part of his career. Tom was a player of enormous potential who had already represented England Lions and had an exciting future ahead of him. Our hearts go out to the Maynard family for their tragic loss and we send them and all Tom’s many friends and colleagues within the game our deepest sympathies.”