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Ben Hollioake - Your Tributes

England international cricketer Ben Hollioake has been killed in a car accident, aged 24. CricInfo has received over 1,000 emails - below we publish a small selection of your messages.


Like every cricket fan, I am completely stunned and very sad at Ben Hollioake's death. He had a special talent and I always wanted to see him named in the England side. He wasn't the next Ian Botham, he was the first Ben Hollioake. Henry Arkwright

Ben - we love you. Adam and the rest of your family, mine and Rebecca's thoughts are with you. Darren Bicknell, Surrey & Notts CCC

I was at the one day match between India and England in Chennai, the batting suddenly collapsed but the one guy who played a very matured innings was Ben Holliake and he was at the deep mid-wicket and he was friendly with the crowd. World cricket will miss one of the most respected and cheerful guys. ajay kumar

I first met Ben in 1996 when he was still making his way into the Surrey first team. Although I was only a passing cricket acquaintaince he immeadiately impressed me with his enthusiastic and happy outlook on life. I followed his cricketing progress with interest and now am saddened by the news of a young life ended prematurely. We that play and enjoy the game would do well to remember how this young man went about his cricket and his life, always with a smile on his face. Andrew Walsh

My memory of Ben was after the Cheltenham & Gloucester Cricket Festival a few short years ago. Ben and his father an brother Adam were sitting in the same restaurant as me and my husband. It was obvious from that evening how much he and his family loved cricket and how proud their father was of both his sons. They were all perfect gentlemen. Ben will be sorely missed as there are few young cricketers who have set a better example to youngsters in England or indeed around the world. A huge talent and a terrible loss. Joanne Foster

It is very hard to think that as I ride the tube to Oval station it will not be with that prick of hope that I will see that latest of late cuts, the lazy swing that paradoxically preceded the most rapid transfer of ball from pitch to Pavillion, the almost balletic fielding at point or gully, and over of bewildering varieties leaving a batsman wondering what was happening. Go to the Oval I still shall, and enjoy the game as he always seemed to I certainly expect to do, but there will be a very special something missing, a promise of cricket played for crickets sake by a guy who looked like winning meant everything, but only as long as the game was a game and played with the utmost enjoyment. I never saw him question a decision, however outrageous it appeared, he never complained about fielding at deep long leg while catches he would have eaten were spilled close to the stumps. All round a great bloke to watch and a great big hole in Surrey and England cricket. We will miss you Ben and we all extend all our sympathy to your family and friends, they can never replace you. Jeff Green

I have many memories of Ben Hollioake showing his undoubted talent when Surrey came to Taunton. One of the most exciting and talented players of his generation, and a joy to watch whether he had the ball in his hand, when weilding the bat, or giving 100% at all times in the field. My deepest sympathies to all those who knew him, and especially to his team mates both in the England camp, and at Surrey CCC, and also to his family and close friends. Peter Machin

As a Surrey, England, but most importantly, as a cricket fan I am deeply shocked at the death of such an exciting young player. Ben's smile could light up the room and he rarely seemed to be without his cheeky grin. The last time I saw Ben was at the Oval when, waiting to bat, he was chatting to the others, reading a paper and attempting to play keepy-up with a cricket ball. He will be sorely missed this season. My thoughts are with all his family - John, Daria, Adam and Eboni - as well as with his friends and team-mates who have lost a great guy. Also, let us all hope that his girlfriend recovers from her injuries quickly. Laura Tucker

I had the pleasure, last summer, of working at the County Ground in Bristol during the international against Australia and as a result had the opportunity to meet both English and Australian squads. Of all the players, Ben Hollioake possibly made the biggest impression on me with his very ready smile and pleasant words. Unfortunately, as a result of working I didn't get to see him bat and that is something I now very much regret. My thoughts and prayers go to his family. Rachel Trench

Ben was the most beautiful man inside & out. We are all absolutely devastated & loved him very much. Surrey will never be the same without him, he was such a gifted cricketer. Our hearts & prayers go out to Adam & all his family & close friends.Ben will live in our hearts & memories forever. Sarah, Kerrie and Louise Surrey, England

I first saw Ben durin his debut against Australia in ODI. I was impressed with the way he handled the situation and Shane Warne, one of the greatest leg spinner. He had all the ingredients of youth and exuburance. I pray god to keep his soul in peace. Venkatesh B Rao

I recently met him during a one day match between India and England at Bombay,India held on Feb 3. Being an Indian supporter I am deeply moved regarding this incident. His wonderfull innings at Lords will always be remembered. He was a true English cricketer and a real asset to his team. My condolences and sympathies are with his family and friends. Neville Billimoria

The Oval and Lord's will never be the same without you gracing the field again. You were a great talent, but are now so sadly missed. Mark Russell & Sylvia Russell

Ben, even as a teenager you taught me the importance of cricket in life, and although my pro cricket career ended some time ago, I know that I am a better person for having known you. The hospitality shown in those three seasons playing for Perth by you and your family and friends are something that I'll cherish forever. From your true home in Melbourne, I'll miss you mate. Tom Ward

A great lad that will be sorely missed by all of us that knew him. You where alot of fun to be around, and you where one of the most outstanding talents in most sports i had ever seen. My deepst sympathy go out to Mr & Mrs Hollioake and Adam. Also to his girlfriend Janaya and to his best mate Peter Waite. From all the boys in Perth you used to hang with. We hope you rest in peace bro. Matt Sandison

I am shocked by hearing the tragic news of car accident in which one of my favourite for whom I had done so many vacations from my job just to see Ben playing for England in the one days. I and my family miss him very much. Wasif Azhar

Ben was one of the few 'attacking' & 'exciting' young English players. Will be sorely missed. Heartfelt Condolonces to his family. Shyamal

My condolences to the Hollioake family. I played a season with him for Malden Wanderers in '96 and enjoyed every minute playing along side such a top bloke as Ben. Rest in peice. The game is worse off without him. Damian Johnson

As an Umpire in County Cricket, I have had the pleasure of seeing Ben in action as a young player with Surrey CCC, and with the England U19's. I was so please to see his promotion to the England Test Team. For someone like Ben who had so much talent, and more to offer to the cricket loving public. There will be a void in the game for a long time to come, and it is a tradgedy that his life has been taken at such a young age. My thoughts go out to brother Adam, and his family. Please accept my condolences and deepest sympathy. I am sure these feelings are shared by my umpiring colleagues. Bob Sutton (Umpire Minor Counties and County 2X1 Cricket)

Ben, you'll be missed by all cricket fans; you mixed application with insouciance and frustration with fulfilment but always the pulse quickened whenever you were involved in the game. You were obviously a great guy too and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and friends. Mark Walker

The most complete one day specialist with excellent Batting, Bowling and Fielding abilities in the current England Squad, "A Very Promising Career Nipped in the Bud ". May his soul rest in peace. R. Shabir Ahmed

Such a talent somewhat unrealised. Charismatic, laid back, unpredictable. We will miss you, thank you for bringing some hope to English cricket. Mark Hoppus

Ben was such a promising young player. A 24 I felt he had many years ahead of him. I rated him above Andy Flintoff and expected him to become our best all rounder. I feel that he would have made a big impact on the NZ one-day series if his injury had not kept him out. He was always practicing before the games and talking to the press begging to have a go. He was someone I looked up to. An all rounder in everyway, on the pitch and off of it. Living in Essex I support Essex County Cricket Club but if they played Surrey I would always cheer for him and hoped he would do well. A very sad loss of a major talent at such a young age. Respect Ben, you will be very missed. Robin Plummer

My deepest condolences go out to the Hollioake family. I have played against Ben in grade cricket in Perth and he is such a wonderful competitor. It is such a shock espicially when someone so young like myself passes away in such tragic ways. I know like Ben and Adam the family will be strong and as everyone knows who played with or agianst Ben he was such a exceptional talent. Rest In Peace Charlie Burke (Claremont/Nedlands CC)

I am extremely sorry to know about death of a young cricketer. Very recently England was looking forward to him as a genuine allrounder who could bowl his full quota of 10 overs and give solidity to batting in the middle order. May his soul rest in peace. BS Rathi

I just wanted to offer the thoughts and condolencies of myself and my family to the Hollioake family. Ben was the type of cricketer that all fans loved to watch, and as an England fan (although Durham not Surrey) he was the type of player and person that we were all desperate to do well and realise his obviously massive potential. I am truly sorry that this has happened, for his family and for English cricket. Dale Imray

Ben Hollioke was one of the few young guns in the english team who really played the game with full effort and heart. He always did what his heart felt right and I remember this particularly because of his decision to bowl at the death which his captain at surrey too accepted. He will always be remebered as a great human being and a marvellous fielder. My sincere condolances for Adam and Ben's entire family and also to entire english team. Please dedicate every win in the NZ series to Ben. Prashant Gopalakrishnan

I am totally stunned and saddened at the death of Ben Hollioake. It is an absolute tradegy and such a waste of a young person's life who had so much talent and potential. My thoughts are with his brother Adam and everyone else affected by this disaster. I am a Somerset fan and I was fortunate enough to meet Ben at Taunton last season, he was so friendly and was readily happy to sign autographs and chat to fans. His bowling and batting was very desirable and I feel as if a big piece of English cricket is missing, a tragic loss for Surrey and England but most of all for his family and friends. England should win the series and dedicate it to Ben, he deserves it, a man with the dignity and pride he had deserves to be remembered fondly for eternity. Rest in Peace Ben Hollioake 1977-2002. Dan Thorne

It was very saddening and the news of ben's death has been very tragic to me. I used to love him play, in India our sports channels showed the domestic english cricket live and I have followed his exploits all the way. I had presumed that he along with Andrew Flintoff would be the wild-cards and worth their weight in gold for the upcoming World Cup in South Africa. Dave

It may not mean much to those who actually knew Ben Hollioake, but my thoughts are with them now. I always liked Ben Hollioake as a person, and enjoyed watching him bat, even though he was playing for the old enemy England, as there was a touch of class to his play that set him apart from most other batsmen. His 2 ODI 50s were amongst the finest innings I've seen played, and his fielding was always magnificent to watch. It's a very sad thought for me that I'll never see him take the field again. Leo Vance

I got to watch Ben playing with Surrey last year, including the time he took 3-13 in Hove. I became a big fan, and I'm absolutely shocked to hear about his passing. I would like to send my condolences to Adam and the rest of the Hollioake family. Jon Shecket

A tribute to an exciting, young upcoming English player.... a horrible way to end life at the very young age of 24. I first saw Ben Hollioake play in 1997 during the Texaco Trophy whitewash of Australia. He seemed a useful enough player at the age of 19. But he grew as a player as time went on and had had lived, he surely would've broken through and become a permanent player in the ODI squad. Sadly it was not to be and he will be missed all over. Mir Hasan Ali

Having watched with horror on CricInfo last night, as first rumours and then the facts of Ben Hollioake's tragic death came to light, I feel so deeply for his family, his friends and his colleagues, and offer my deepest sympathy. Regardless of whether he was a cricketer of note, or just an ordinary man in the street, this pointless young mans death gives our life a different perspective. To Surrey CCC, I feel they have lost a growing talent, and will be difficult to replace. Victor Isaacs

I think that Ben Hollioake was a great cricketer but was treated harshly by England selectors. I will always remember his debut one day innings as he smacked guys like McGrath, Warne and Gillespie in front of a huge crowd at Lord's. He had so much talent and this is the wrong way to end an career. Andrew Hook

To Daria, John, Adam and Ebony, We are so devastated by ben's death and hope that you are all doing ok. Please know we are all thinking of you and remembering the fun times together in Hong Kong. We are so sorry for your loss. Much Love Rod, Pamela, Angie and Jade Bell

I was fortunate enough to play with Ben for a couple of seasons at Wesley College and also at South Perth CC. He was a champion player and a champion person. My sincere condolences go to his family and friends. James McIntyre

I don't believe it. I've just switched the cricket off - England v NZ seems so pointless in the face of this shocking news. I suspect that england's cricketers would prefer to be anywhere else but on a playing field right now, particularly the surrey players. Ben & Adam Hollioake were two cricketeers for whom I had the utmost respect. Form & injury has kept them more out of the England team than in in the last few years, but their determination to succeed and their acceptance of the game's ups and downs was summed up in Adam's reaction to being dropped from the test team some years back: it's not how far you fall, he said, it's how high you bounce back. This is one hell of a fall for Adam, his family, and his friends. God give them the strength to bounce back from this. Clive Wilshin

As a huge cricket fan it is sad to see another young talented cricketer pass away in tragic circumstances (Trevor Modondo 2001). Watching Ben play over the last few months he had seemed to be an improved player now it is sad what kind of player he would finish his career as, especially as he could have played a vital role in England's quest for World Cup glory. Again great sadness to cricket players and cricket followers all around the world. John Belgre

Benny - a great talent, just being realised. The tragic news shocked and saddened this Aussie. Sympathy to the Hollioake family and friends. A huge loss to English cricket and moreso for the game. We'll never see that lovely timing and athletic fielding again. Marie-Anne Cooper

As an avid cricket fan and a NSW police crash investigator I have always dreaded the day the two would cross paths. Hearing about the loss of Ben Hollioake deeply saddened me. My heartfelt sympathies go out to the Hollioake family, his friends, teammates and all cricketers who will be affected by this loss. Alex

My thought go to Adam and his family. Anyone who saw Ben's innings against Glen McGrath on debut and in subsequent cup games for Surrey will know what a talent we have lost. Craig Pitman

A special cricker, who on his day could demolish the best of attacks with his instinctive and natural ability. Will be sorely missed as one of the great talents of his era. Omar

His death is a tragedy. My thoughts are with his friends & family. My memory is of that beautiful 'On Drive'. Graeme Jobes

I'll never forget that innings against Australia in 1997. It really fustrated me seeing someone on their debut score a half century against Australia. Being Australian I never did like the POMS but Ben and his brother were two players I did like, cause they were born in Australia. We are going to miss you man. Steven Amos

I have followed Ben's career since he first appeared in the Surrey 2nd X1, and this is the most awful tragedy. My condolences go to his family and friends, all in the England squad and all at Surrey CCC at this terrible time. Paul Ames

Its tragic news for such a promising young player. I saw him last week at the first test in Christchurch and he looked so happy. I feel now so much for his team mates here in NZ. They must be totally gutted. Good luck England for the rest of the series. My deepest sympathy to all concerned. Michael Roulston NZ

What can I say... as an Indian supporter I totally respected the attitude and talent of ben. I just cannot believe this sad news. My thoughts are with his family. Thank you for the entertainment ben..we'll miss you. Robin Sen

This really is a terrible tragedy. Not only is this a terrible loss to Ben's family and friends but also to the cricketing world, to the players and fans of the game. Ben was a young talent who we will remember particuarly by his dynamic entrance into the international cricket arena and the moment when he and his brother Andrew were capped for England. He was always a lively and enthusiatic player with a genuine talent and verve for the game. Today is a dark day for cricket. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family, friends and collegues at this terrible time. Andrew

Ben Hollioake had great talent which was demonstrated brillaintly when he made his debut against the Australians in 1997 and although his international carrer had its rocky parts, it was quite clear he was making good progress from the recent tours of India and Zimbo and probably would of been playing at World Cup 2003.

However this chance is not possible now. May you rest in peace and our best wishes and regards to the Hollioakes. Our thoughts are with them and Ben. Bill Mo

I remember ben's spectacular one day knock in 1997. Superb! But also watching him at county level. He would have been a great player in years to come. What a sad waste. May he rest in peace. Bears Fan. Tony Brotherton

This is a great loss for cricket. Ben was on the verge of special things for his country and was starting to look at home in international cricket. He made everything seem so easy and enjoyed his cricket and live to the max. My thoughts are with the Hollioake family and the whole of the Surrey and England teams. Andrew McGlashan

A tragedy that one of the personalities of cricket has been taken in such a way.. thoughts lie with his team-mates and family with the knowledge he'll be severely missed.. One hopes that this tragedy inspires his youthful fans to follow in his footsteps and give to cricket what will now be missed. David Block

Just absolutely stunned. That innings against Australia will particulaly live on in the memory as will that of an immense talent. Cricket has lost one of it's brightest characters. Chris

He might have played for England, but us Aussies will still miss you mate. Jess Marshall

This is extremely sad news. I will never forget his debut innings at Lord's when he destroyed the Aussie bowling, nor his superb attitude in all aspects. I always saw him as one of my cricketing role models, and he will be missed. The game is much worse without him. I extend my deepest sympathy to all his friends and family. May he rest in peace. Tahir, Pakistan

I went to Headingley during the 2001 season to watch an England v Pakistan one-dayer. England crumbled, but the one player who stood out and gave the score a small bit of respect was Ben Hollioake. He was a class act and it's a great shock that he's gone at such a young age. I'm sure he has already inspired many kids to take up the game and over the years he has certainly made his mark on the game. I remember him giving an interview on TV last year, I believe it was just before a Surrey cup match against Gloucestershire. I wonder what he would have thought back then if he was told that he wouldn't be alive in a years time. A great cricketer who will be very much missed by all. A sad loss. Mark Reynolds

Such a talent somewhat unrealised. Charismatic, laid back, unpredictable. We will miss you, thank you for bringing some hope to English cricket. xx Elinor Suter

I have been a Surrey fan for over 15 years and I have to admit I have never seen a more talented player. It is a shame he wasn't given time to do it it's fullest justice. My condolances to Adam and the rest of your family. Daniel S. Morton

Ben's innings at Lord's in 1997 was so cool, so convincing against the mighty Australians that it was and shall remain unforgettable - equally his 98 in the B&H Cup Final... A cricketer who deserved to play many more Tests and ODIs and who would surely have graced the highest stage for many years, cruelly taken from us. One can only imagine what his family must be feeling, and they have my deepest sympathy. Mathew Gullick

I am stunned by the tragic loss of one of England crickets greatest hopes for it's future. Ben Hollioake always played cricket in the correct manner with a smile on his face, and I would like to pass on my condolences to his family and friends. Mark Philps

I will always respect you as a player who backed himself and could take on anyone on the cricket pitch - had no fear of opponents reputations, like each game is your last - that is how to play the game... from an Aussie.... rest in peace. Rob Thornton

As an england supporter, I am deeply shocked by the death of a very promising young cricketer. He had a successful cricket career ahead of him with Surrey and England, who would have been in the World Cup squad. I think everyone who has watched him play would have been shaken to see a youthful cricketer to leave us so early in his career. Thank you Ben for being a great person on and off the field. We will all miss you deeply. Kunjan Barot

I am very shocked! He was a pretty decent ODI player and one of the very few english players who was genuinely exciting to watch in the ODI'S and county matches. Extremely sad news and my heart goes out to his family and friends!! Aamir

I would just like to send my deepest condolences to the Hollioke family at this very sad time. He was a true competitor and a pleasure to watch, he made the game look so easy when he was 'on song', he will be missed by many. Thinking of you all. David Lucas, Notts CCC

I was privileged enough to see Ben Hollioake on Test debut in the 1997 Ashes match at Trent Bridge. He was simply the most elegant English bat I had seen since David Gower. Ease, time to see the ball and time the stroke and a certain presence at the crease marked him out as a young man to watch. He may not have fulfilled all his early promise but there was more to come and English cricket has lost a very talented young man. Paul McGregor

Truly awful and unbelievable. I won't forget his assault on the Aussies in 1997 at Lord's. I recall his cheeky smile as he hit Glenn McGrath around the park. He suffered from being dubbed a future Ian Botham, but the future was already bright. I think of his mum, dad and Adam, and pause to reflect on how valuable life is. Pankaj Pathak

I know this won't mean much, being a kiwi and all, but I feel for all concerned in these trying times. I was lucky enough to meet up with ben in their recent one dayer at Carisbrook and he really was a lovely lad. Michael Anderson

The news of the tragic and untimely death of Ben Hollioake is shocking. One memory of Ben I will always remember is the one from the one day match against India at Chennai. He had batted well with Jeremy Snape to rescue England but the Chennai heat had completely dehydrated him. He had bowled 3 overs, perspiration dripping all over his body, but Nasser Hussain didn't have to coax him too much to bowl one more. He fought through and gave every inch he possibly could for England that day. We all will miss Ben Hollioake and let us pray his family can find that same strength in this very difficult time for them. My condolences to Ben's family and close friends and cricket lovers everywhere. Kunal Ashar

I'm shocked and deeply upset to hear of Ben's untimely death. Please extend my sympathy to his parents and brother, Adam. I never knew him - I'm just a lifelong Surrey cricket fan - but he always lighted me up with expectation and hope whenever he came out to bat or on to bowl. I always felt sure that the best was yet to come. Tim Cape

An exciting cricketer, with a superb eye for the ball. A nice guy, who was kind to me as a youngster when asking for autographs, which impressed me. A sad, sad loss. Tom Rubashow

My heart goes out to the Hollioake family and the entire England squad. Its such a tragedy. He was a great player and Im glad that I got to see him play over here in Australia in 1999. Please accept my condolences. Jacqui

Came home from a pleasant night out with friends, to hear Blowers, talking about "a terrible tragedy". Checked BBC website, and read that Ben Hollioake had died in a car crash. Am absolutely dumbstruck, a tragic waste of an unfulfilled talent. To Adam, Ben's parents, the players and collegues at Surrey CC, my thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sympathy to you all. Steve Moore

In memory of Ben: Cygnet House Boarder, Wesley College, South Perth, 1993-1994. A talented ball player, with undarted self-belief. A tragedy that he was taken so young. Nigel Fairbairn - Head of Boys Boarding, Wesley College, 1992-1994. On behalf of all Cygnet boys and staff. Currently Rector, St Andrews College, Christchurch, New Zealand.

The potential was never fulfilled and the talent never fully unleashed, but never-the-less, my most memorable moment of Ben was the 53 he made against Pakistan amidst the great escape tune which had hardly stopped before it started again, Condolences to al who knew him. Adam Peel

What a tragedy. Ben's approach to the game was exciting and I'll never forget the games when he took on Australia as a raw 19 year old. I'm sure that we would have seen more from him on the domestic and international stage. After going through the problems that so many young English players experience, he seemed to be on an upward curve again. Condolences to Adam and the rest of his family. Neil Meadows

Tragic news, so much talent and life snuffed out in an instant. Condolences to his family, friends and team-mates - if we the fans feel a loss, we can only imagine what their's must be. Dave Liverman


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