Worcestershire County Cricket Club has announced the death of one of its players, 20-year-old Josh Baker.
The spin bowler made 47 appearances across all formats for his county club, taking 70 wickets and was playing for the second team on Wednesday, less than 24 hours before the news was announced.
No details of the circumstances of his death have been released and Worcestershire, who said he was “heartbroken” by the loss, asked that his family be given “privacy and respect”.
Baker, a former England under-19 international, took three wickets against Somerset at Bromsgrove on Wednesday, with the match abandoned as a draw on Thursday, and also played in two Vitality County Championship matches last month.
Worcestershire said in a statement that it was “heartbroken to announce the untimely passing of Josh Baker, aged just 20”.
“During this profoundly difficult time, the club is dedicated to supporting Josh’s family, friends and colleagues. We are united in our grief and determined to honor his memory in a way that befits the remarkable person he was .
“It was his dynamic spirit and contagious enthusiasm that endeared him to all he met. His warmth, kindness and professionalism were remarkable, making him a true honor to his family and a valued member of our team.
“Plans to honor Josh will be made in consultation with his family and will remain private at this time. The club, along with Josh’s family, ask for privacy as we mourn this immense loss. No further Comment will not be provided during this sensitive period.”
Worcestershire chief executive, former England spinner Ashley Giles, offered a personal message.
“The news of Josh’s passing has devastated us all. 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,” Giles said.
Baker turned professional in 2021, taking 43 wickets in 22 first-class appearances, the last of which came against Durham less than a fortnight ago.
He also played 17 List A matches and eight T20s and was a traveling reserve for England at the 2022 Under-19 World Cup.
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Condolences were offered by other county clubs and the England and Wales Cricket Board called it “devastating news” about X.
Daryl Mitchell, operations director of the Professional Cricketers’ Association and Baker’s former Worcestershire teammate, wrote: “Bakes was an infectious character who became the life and soul of the dressing room at such a young age. Thoughts with the family and everyone at WCCC.”
Pakistani spinner Usama Mir, another former colleague of Baker’s at New Road, added: “So sad and devastated to hear the news of Josh’s passing. He was one of the kindest people you could ever meet . And a brilliant cricketer. Truly devastated to hear this news. Thoughts and prayers with his family.
Sky news