Mark Saxelby dies aged 31

Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club was saddened to learn that former player, Mark Saxelby, has died.

Saxelby, 31, was admitted to Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham with suspected weedkiller poisoning and died on Thursday. An inquest will be opened this week.

Born in Worksop, Mark followed elder brother Kevin Saxelby into a professional career at Trent Bridge, making his debut in 1989 and playing for five seasons.

A right-arm seam bowler and elegant left-handed batsman, he left Trent Bridge for Durham in 1994 and on leaving professional cricket graduated in Geography from the University of Nottingham.

The 31-year-old former Nottingham High School pupil was also well-known among players in the county¹s local leagues representing a number of teams including; Welbeck, Thoresby Colliery and most recently Heanor.

Nottinghamshire Chairman Albert Bocking said: "Everyone at the club has been deeply shocked to hear of Mark¹s death. Many, including myself, knew him from his schooldays.

"Mark maintained close links with Trent Bridge, where he was always welcome during his regular visits and still had many friends among the staff.

"We would like to express our sympathy to his parents, family and friends at this sad time."