THE CRICKETING world was rallying around Hampshire cricket star Michael Carberry last night after it was announced he is battling cancer.

In a statement by Hampshire Cricket Club last night they revealed that Carberry, who has been with the club for more than ten years, has been diagnosed with cancer.

Well wishes poured in for the star with cricketing heroes like Shane Warne, Stuart Broad and Michael Vaughan taking to social media to show their support.

The cancerous tumour was diagnosed following a series of medical tests this week.

Carberry, 35, who is known by his teammates as ‘Carbs’, underwent the tests over concerns relating to a condition that causes blood clots to form on his lungs, which was first diagnosed in 2010.

He broke the news to his Hampshire teammates before last night’s T20 game against Glamorgan at The Ageas Bowl.

A club statement said: Following recent reports about his health and now that he has spoken fully to his family, friends and team-mates, Hampshire Cricket can confirm that after a brief period of feeling unwell, a specialist has determined that Michael Carberry has a tumour that is cancerous.

Further tests will be undertaken before the relevant treatment commences. He is grateful for the messages of support that he has received and hopes that he can focus on his treatment whilst the privacy of those close to him is respected.

Hampshire Cricket Chairman Rod Bransgrove said: Michael has been part of the Hampshire Cricket family for ten years and on behalf of everyone at and associated with the Club, I would like to send him and his family our very best wishes at this very difficult time.

‘Carbs’ has taken on and beaten serious illness before and we will be doing all we can to make sure he does the same again this time.

Hampshire Cricket will endeavour to provide updates as appropriate on Michael’s progress. Many messages of support for Carberry have been posted by the cricket community on social media. Australian cricketing legend Shane Warne said: “Just heard the terrible news re my great friend thinking of you buddy and am here for you as is the whole cricket family.”

Stuart Broad posted on Twitter ‘Thinking of you’ while Michael Vaughan said: “Forget the test match, all cricket families thoughts are with Carbs thinking of you pal.”

Carberry launched his cricketing career with Surrey in 2001, before joining Kent in 2003 and has been with Hampshire since 2006.

During his time with the club he has played for the England Lions and made his test debut against Bangladesh on England’s 2009-10 tour.