MCC Pays Tribute As Cricket Mourns Loss Of Tom Hardman

The MCC has led tributes to Leeds/Bradford MCC Universities cricketer Tom Hardman who has died at the age of 21.

Hardman was studying for a BSc in Sports and Exercise Science at Leeds Metropolitan University and was a right-arm medium-fast bowling all-rounder.

He was due to captain the Leeds/Bradford MCCU side in the 2013 season and had also played for the MCCU Combined Team in the ECB Second Eleven Championship in 2012.

Former England Test cricketer and MCCU Combined Head Coach, Clive Radley, 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 Eleven 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 teammates."

© Cricket World 2012