Former Yorkshire academy cricketer dies aged 28

Former England Under-19 international Chris Allinson made several appearances for the county's second XI, the last of which came in the summer of 2008. He was also briefly on the books of Leicestershire

A former Yorkshire academy cricketer has died at the age of 28.

Chris Allinson, a product of the club's youth system, passed away suddenly overnight on Wednesday.

The former England Under-19 player made several appearances for the county's second XI, the last of which came in the summer of 2008. He was also briefly on the books of Leicestershire.

A statement from Yorkshire on Thursday confirmed the news.

It read: "The club wishes to extend its condolences to Chris' family and friends at this incredibly sad time."

Allinson came from Guisborough in North Yorkshire and turned out for various clubs in the North Yorkshire and South Durham Premier League, many of whom paid tribute to the dad of one.

A Marton Cricket Club statement, posted on social media, read: "We are devastated to hear of the passing of Chris Allinson.

"Chris spent last season playing for us and made friends instantly with all those who didn’t already know him, such was his friendly personality.

"Our deepest sympathy go to his family at this sad time."

A Marske CC statement read: "It is with great sadness that former club professional Chris Allinson has passed away. Thoughts are with his family. RIP Allo."

Allinson also represented Guisborough, Stokesly and Great Ayton, scoring nearly 7,000 runs in the NYSDL.

League president Chris West told Teeside Live: "I think it is safe to say that the whole NYSD cricket family was stunned and desperately saddened to hear the terrible news about Chris.

"He has been such an integral part of our great league for many years, - it is almost impossible to believe that he has gone.

"Despite his tender years he has been performing at the top level for more than a decade, a hugely gifted cricketer who was on Yorkshire’s books as a youngster, and one who had a remarkable passion for the game."

Former England captain Michael Vaughan added to the tributes.

He wrote on Twitter: "This is awful news. Such a great lad. Thoughts are with all his close family."

Allinson was a keen squash player and a member of Guisborough Squash Club, for whose second team he appeared on Wednesday evening.

The club wrote on Facebook: "It is with deep sadness that I have to inform members of the club that Chris Allinson has passed away. He performed in his usual combative style last night winning at number 1 for the second team. What a player. RIP Chris".