Worcestershire ‘heartbroken’ at demise of gifted cricketer Josh Baker

Worcestershire cricketer Josh Baker has died at the age of 20, with the club saying it is ‘heartbroken’ and ‘devastated’ at the spinner’s passing.

The cricket club announce Baker’s death, describing the bowler as having a ‘vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm’.

Baker had turned professional with the club in 2021, with Worcestershire stating that he quickly became a popular figure within the squad.

‘His warmth, kindness, and professionalism were remarkable, making him a true credit to his family and a loved member of our team,’ a Worcestershire statement read.

Baker had appeared for Worcestershire’s second XI, taking three wickets on the third day of four day match against Somerset at Bromsgrove School.

Worcestershire have said they are ‘heartbroken’ at the death of 20-year-old spinner Josh Baker

The club described Baker as having a ‘vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm’ in a tribute

Worcestershire said the club is ‘dedicated to supporting Baker’s family, friends and colleagues’

Worcestershire have said how Baker died.

Ashley Giles, Worcestershire’s chief executive, paid tribute to Baker stating ‘The news of Josh’s passing has left us all devastated.

‘Josh was much more than a teammate; he was an integral part of our cricket family.

‘We will all miss him terribly. All our love and prayers go out to Josh’s family and friends.’

Worcestershire added that the club is ‘dedicated to supporting Josh’s family, friends and colleagues’.

‘We are united in our grief and committed to honouring his memory in a manner manner befitting the remarkable person he was,’ the club said.

‘Plans to pay tribute to Josh will be made in consultation with his family and will remain private at this time. The Club, along with Josh’s family, requests the respect of privacy as we mourn this immense loss’.

Worcestershire confirmed Baker’s death on social media with the news coming one day after he had played for the club’s second team 

Former England captain Michael Vaughan offered a tribute to Baker on social media

The ECB said it is ‘desperately sad to learn of the passing of Baker’ 

Former England captain Michael Vaughan led tributes to Baker on social media from the wider cricketing world.  

‘This is so sad.. Thoughts with all his family & close friends,’ Vaughan wrote.

The England and Wales Cricket Board also offered their condolences to Baker’s family and friends.

‘The ECB is desperately sad to learn of the passing of Josh Baker,’ a statement read.

‘This is devastating news. We extend our best wishes to Josh’s family and friends, to everyone who knew and loved him, and to everyone at Worcestershire CCC.’

Rob Lynch, chief executive of the Professional Cricketer’s Assocation said ‘Everybody at the PCA is heartbroken to hear of Josh’s passing and we offer our sincere condolences to all his family, friends and teammates.

‘Josh was a cricketer with his full career and life ahead of him and this news is impossible to comprehend. 

‘The PCA and the Professional Cricketers’ Trust are working to support Josh’s family, his teammates and all PCA members who are affected. Rest in peace, Josh.

Baker last year scored the winning runs to seal Worcestershire’s promotion back to to Division One of the County Championship.

The match was one of five Championship matches played by Baker last season, with the spinner signing a three-year contract.

Baker, born in Redditch, took 70 wickets across all three formats and scored 525 runs since making his professional debut.

He played 47 times for Worcestershire and was capped twice at England under-19 level, playing against Sri Lanka in 2021.