In a tragic news, Worcestershire have announced the death of their young left-arm spinner Josh Baker at the age of 20. Josh, who made his debut for Worcestershire in 2021, played a combined 47 matches across formats for the county club and took 70 wickets in them.
Josh also scored hit two first-class half-centuries, showing he had the makings of a quality allrounder.
“The news of Josh’s passing has left us all devastated,” Worcestershire’s chief executive Ashley Giles said. “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 paid tributes to Josh, recalling his ‘vibrant spirit’ and ‘infectious enthusiasm’.
“More than his skills as a spin bowler, it was his vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm that endeared him to everyone he met. His warmth, kindness, and professionalism were remarkable, making him a true credit to his family and a loved member of our team,” the club said in a statement.
“During this profoundly difficult time, 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 befitting the remarkable person he was.
“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. No further comments will not be provided during this sensitive period,” it added.
Josh also represented England at the U-19 level.
Rob Lynch, chief executive of the Professional Cricketers’ Association, also paid tributes to Josh.
“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,” Lynch said.
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