ECB UMPIRE PASSES AWAY SUDDENLY AGED 52

Russell Evans played first class cricket for Nottinghamshire

ECB umpire Russell Evans has died suddenly at the age of 52.

Evans, who played seven first class matches for Nottinghamshire between 1987 and 1990 and also represented Lincolnshire in Minor Counties cricket, was added to the ECB's first class umpires list in 2015.

He stood in women's one-day and T20 internationals.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden death yesterday evening of B3 Director and ECB umpire, Russell Evans," a statement from the bat manufacturer B3 read on Friday.

"Russ was taken suddenly at just 52. We are going to miss him greatly.

"The cricket world has lost a true gent who just loved his family and the game."

The cricketing community has been quick to express its collective shock at the news, with several leading county players paying tribute to Evans on social media.

^{Umpire Russell Evans, pictured in Bristol in 2015, has passed away at the age of 52}

Essex bowler Jamie Porter wrote: "Absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of Russell Evans! A great man always enjoyed bowling at his end. He is going to (be) missed dearly! RIP".

England international Ben Duckett wrote: "Absolutely shocking news... one of the nicer blokes around #RIPRuss".

Newly-appointed Lancashire captain Liam Livingstone added: "Incredibly sad news... RIP Russ".

Warwickshire director of sport Ashley Giles wrote: "That is incredibly bad and very sad news. Thoughts with all of Russ' family and friends".

Kent batsman Joe Denly sent his condolences, writing: "Terrible news about Russel(l) Evans, lovely man, will be missed on and off the field".

Yorkshire first-team coach Andrew Gale added: "Gutted to hear about Russ, great man who helped me for so many years at GM and later umpired me. Thoughts with his family."

Former Essex man James Middlebrook wrote: "So shocked to hear the very sad news, top bloke and will be missed on the circuit."

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