Josh Baker, a 20-year-old spin bowler from Worcestershire, passed away.
Baker played in two County Championship games this season; the most recent one was in April at Kidderminster against Durham.
In2021, the left-armer made his first-class debut. He went on to play 47 matches across all forms, collecting 70 wickets.
Ashley Giles, the chief executive of Worcestershire, said, “The news of Josh’s passing has left us all devastated.”
The manner in which Baker passed away has not been disclosed by the club.
This week, he participated in a county second XI match at Bromsgrove School versus Somerset. On Wednesday, he claimed three wickets, although play was suspended due to inclement weather on the first two days.
This week’s County Championship match for Worcestershire’s first XI is off.
“Josh was a vital member of our cricket family; he was much more than just a teammate,” said coach and former England spinner Giles.
He will be sorely missed by all of us. Josh’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.
Redditch-born Baker played under-19 English representation after rising through the ranks at New Road.
After recovering from a back injury he sustained in 2022 and participating in five Championship games to help Worcestershire earn promotion from Championship Division Two, he signed a three-year contract last year.
A club statement read as follows: external “His infectious enthusiasm and vibrant spirit won over people over to his infectious spin bowling skills.”
“His warmth, kindness, and professionalism were remarkable, making him a true credit to his family and a loved member of our team.”
Additional first-class counties have paid their respects to Baker.
“Our deepest sympathies go to Josh’s family, friends, and Worcestershire colleagues on hearing this tragic news,” said Warwickshire in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“We know how much he was loved and respected at Kenilworth Wardens where he played in recent seasons.”
Usama Mir, a spin bowler for Pakistan who will play in the T20 Blast this summer with Worcestershire, wrote on social media: “I’m devastated to learn about Josh’s passing. You could not meet a nicer person than him. And a terrific cricket player.”
Professional Cricketers’ Association chief executive Paul Lynch said:, external “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 team-mates and all PCA members who are affected.”
Worcestershire say they are “committed to honouring his memory in a manner befitting the remarkable person he was” but plans to pay tribute to him will remain private for the time being.
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