Batsman Tom Maynard playing at Kent County Cricket Club - just 12 hours before he died after being hit by a train. Picture: Barry Goodwin

Kent cricketers have led tributes to a young player who died after being hit by a train - just hours after a match against Kent.

Tom Maynard, who was tipped as a future England star, was struck by a London Underground train early this morning.

It is believed the 23-year-old Surrey county cricketer was fleeing police before his body was discovered on tracks.

The tragedy happened less than 12 hours after the batsman had been playing against Kent in a Twenty20 match at Beckenham.

horrendous news about tom maynard. thoughts with rest of maynard family.

— geraint jones (@gojones623) june 18, 2012

Condolences have flooded in from Kent cricketers.

Kent captain Rob Key said on Twitter: "Can't believe the news about Tom Maynard. Desperate. My thoughts go out to his family in a truly awful time."

Geraint Jones said: "Horrendous news about Tom Maynard. Thoughts with rest of Maynard family."

Sam Northeast said: "Really sad news to hear about Tom Maynard. All my thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

Cricketer Azhar Mahmood also added his condolences.

"Just played against him yesterday," he said. "Was such a special talent. He will be greatly missed."

Former Kent captain David Fulton tweeted: "Terrible news about Tom Maynard. Gifted player, who would have gone on to play 4 England. Our prayers are with his family and friends RIP Tom."

Kent County Cricket Club also said: "Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time."

really sad news to hear about tom maynard. all my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

— sam northeast (@sanortheast) june 18, 2012

Maynard's body was found on the tracks near Wimbledon Park station, in south west London, after he fell under a District line train.

Maynard, the son of former England batsman Matthew Maynard, is thought to have been involved in a car chase with police.

Metropolitan Police officers had attempted to pull over a black Mercedes said to have been driven erratically.

An hour later, Maynard's body was found on the tracks.

terrible news about tom maynard, my thoughts are with his family and friends!

— matthew coles (@mattcoles_90) june 18, 2012

Surrey chairman Richard Thompson said: "Our thoughts at this awful time are with Tom’s family and friends and all those that were close to him.

"Tom Maynard was a prodigiously talented young batsman who had made an incredible start to his career and was clearly destined for far greater things.

"The impact Tom made in such a short period of time for Surrey CCC spoke for itself. There is a profound sense of loss at the passing of Tom. To lose anybody at such a young age is an utterly senseless tragedy."