England cricket star Ben Hollioake has been killed in a car crash near his home in Perth. The 24-year-old lost control of his car around midnight and crashed into a brick wall. He died instantly at the scene while a 20-year-old female passenger remains critically ill with head and chest injuries. News of the death was relayed to the English squad in New Zealand via television.
"This is devastating news, it's terrible to lose such a supreme talent as Ben's just as he was beginning to realise his full potential as a cricketer. He had only just regained his place in the England set-up after a two-year break, recalled to the one-day squad for last summer's triangular series against Australia and Pakistan," said Paul Sheldon, Surrey's chief executive.
Hollioake made a sensational one-day international debut in 1997 against Australia when he smashed an attack featuring Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne for 63 off only 48 balls. He went on to play in 20 one-day internationals.
Filed by Tom Grealis
