English Cricket is in shock after the confirmed death of Surrey batsman Tom Maynard.

The 23 year old was regarded as one of domestic cricket's hottest prospects with his explosive batting style making him a linchpin of the Surrey top order.

Tributes have poured in from the cricketing community for a player whose domestic form, where he made 43 first-class appearances for Surrey, was likely to be the precursor to international recognition.

Kevin Pietersen
Pietersen has led the tributes for Maynard.

Surrey teammate and former England captain Kevin Pietersen said on Twitter: "So unbelievably sad!! The Maynard family is so special!! Thoughts are with this special family!! Loads of love guys!! [sic]"

Another former England test captain Andrew Flintoff said: "Tragic news that a great lad, Tom Maynard is no longer with us. All my thoughts are with his family at this awful time x x. [sic]"

Michael Vaughan, who led England to a momentous Ashes series victory in 2005, wrote: "Thoughts are with Matt Maynard and his family.. Words can't describe the Terribly sad news that Tom Maynard has died aged 23... #RIPTOM.[sic] "

Maynard is son to former England test player Matthew Maynard, who both left Glamorgan in acrimonious circumstances, with Tom eventually moving on to Surrey in 2011.

Born in Wales, Maynard was educated at Whitchurch High School, the honing ground of many of the country's finest sportsman such as footballer Gareth Bale and Olympic cyclist Geraint Thomas.

Another attendee of the school, Wales rugby captain Sam Warburton, tweeted: "Thoughts are with the family of Tom Maynard. Great cricketer, sportsperson and guy."

Joe Calzaghe, another Welsh sporting legend and unbeaten former heavyweight boxer added on Twitter: "Really Sad to hear the news Cricketer Tom Maynard has died, only 23. #R.I.P. [sic]"

Many felt that Maynard's potential, enhanced by his appearances for the England Lions, would have been rewarded with a full appearance for his country.

Jonny Bairstow, a graduate of the England Lions set up and a former teammate of Mayard, wrote on Twitter: "Tragic new about Tom Maynard! Great bloke and serious player! Thoughts are with all his family and friends."

Jade Dernbach, the Surrey and England bowler, has withdrawn from the remainder of England's one-day series with West Indies, including the second match at The Oval on Tuesday, on compassionate grounds.

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