Hardman mourned

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Leeds/Bradford MCCU captain Tom Hardman has died, aged 21.

The seam-bowling all-rounder played two first-class games for Leeds/Bradford, both this year when he also represented the MCCU combined team in the Second XI Championship.

Hardman, who had recently been appointed skipper for the 2013 season, was studying for a BSc in Sports and Exercise Sciences at Leeds Metropolitan University.

MCCU combined head coach Clive Radley, a former England batsman, said: "Tom was one of the nicest characters you could ever wish to meet. He was a good all-round cricketer, who always strived to play his best - a real hard-worker, and a lovely bloke to have around the dressing room.

“His leadership qualities were such that I had already earmarked him for the captaincy of the MCCU combined side in the ECB Second XI Championship next season. This is such a sad loss."

MCC head of cricket John Stephenson said: "I am deeply saddened to hear this news. Tom was thriving on the MCC Universities scheme, and we had heard very encouraging reports about him as a player and potential leader.

“MCC's thoughts go out to Tom's family and friends, along with Leeds/Bradford MCCU head coach Andrew Lawson and all Tom's team-mates."