The cricket community was shocked by the untimely deaths of young people Worcestershire crackhead Josh Bakerwho tragically died on Thursday (May 2nd) at the tender age of 20. The heartbreaking news of Baker’s death was confirmed by Worcestershire County Cricket Club England in a solemn statement that casts a dark shadow over the cricket world.
Tragic death of Worcestershire spinner Josh Baker
Just a day before his death, Baker demonstrated his talent when he represented Worcestershire’s 2nd XI and delivered a commendable performance with figures of 3 wickets for 66 runs in 20 overs Somerset at Bromsgrove, although the game ended in a draw.
Over the course of his career, the promising left-arm spinner played 47 games for Worcestershire and left an indelible mark with 70 wickets. The club expressed its deep sadness and vowed to honor Baker’s memory while respecting the privacy of his grieving family at this difficult time. However, the exact cause of his early death remains unknown.
“Worcestershire County Cricket Club is heartbroken to announce the untimely death of Josh Baker, aged just 20. In 2021, Josh turned professional at the club and quickly became a popular figure in the squad. More than his skills as a spin bowler, it was his lively spirit and infectious enthusiasm that endeared him to everyone he met. His warmth, kindness and professionalism were remarkable and made him a true credit to his family and a beloved member of our team.” the post stated.
“At this deeply difficult time, the club is committed to supporting Josh’s family, friends and colleagues. We are united in our grief and committed to honoring 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 confidential for now. The club, along with Josh’s family, requests that privacy be respected as we mourn this immense loss. No further comment will be made during this sensitive period.” The post ended.
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Career highlights
Baker, who began his cricket career with Worcestershire at the age of 17, had already carved a niche for himself in the sport, collecting an impressive tally of 43 wickets in 22 first-class matches and 27 wickets in 25 white-ball appearances. His last first-class appearance for Worcestershire against Durham in April marked the culmination of a promising, aborted career.
In addition to his bowling skills, Baker also showcased his batting skills, amassing 411 runs in first-class cricket as well as notable contributions in the List A and T20 formats. The devastating news of his death reverberated throughout the cricketing world, including among members of the fraternity Michael Vaughan And Lasith Malinga They extend their deepest condolences to the grieving Baker family.
This is how Twitter reacted:
This is so sad. Thoughts with all his family and close friends. xx https://t.co/Se22nP5JSZ
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 2, 2024
This is absolutely heartbreaking
My thoughts go out to Josh’s entire family https://t.co/J70mK1zx2L
— Rob Key (@robkey612) May 2, 2024
My goodness, this is heartbreaking! Thoughts to Josh’s family, friends and WCCC!
Terrible news about this aspiring young cricketer leaving the world way too soon!
RIP, young man! 😢 https://t.co/omvs0mkf6S— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) May 2, 2024
It’s really sad to hear this shocking news. Josh was a wonderful and bright boy who always had a smile on his face. 💔 https://t.co/Qam1jcCouJ
– Azhar Ali (@AzharAli_) May 2, 2024
Absolutely shocked! Thoughts with his family and his departed soul 🙏 https://t.co/aEMW1oBgBw
— Shan Masood (@shani_official) May 2, 2024
So incredibly sad! Thoughts with his family and everyone at Worcester CCC https://t.co/8lBDDVDrtn
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) May 2, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and teammates.💔#RIPJosh https://t.co/EN0wyJEYyL
— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) May 3, 2024
Heartbreaking news. Rest in peace, Josh.
Our thoughts are with Josh’s loved ones at this extremely sad time. https://t.co/EmwnCY0aLE
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 2, 2024
It is so sad and dismaying to hear the news of Josh’s death. He was one of the nicest people you could meet. And a brilliant cricketer. I’m really devastated to hear this news😫💔 https://t.co/0ZN7jDqYDB
— Usama Mir (@iamusamamir) May 2, 2024
Worcestershire County Cricket Club is heartbroken to announce the untimely death of Josh Baker, aged just 20.
The love and prayers of everyone at the club go out to Josh’s family and friends at this time.
➡️ https://t.co/p5C9G0apV0 pic.twitter.com/DNNOnG4Gy7
— Worcestershire CCC (@WorcsCCC) May 2, 2024
No 💔 Incredible young man, wonderful cricketer, simply stunning.
All our love, thoughts and prayers go out to Josh’s family, friends and teammates at this sad, sad time.— Paul Nixon (@Paulnico199) May 2, 2024
💔
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) May 2, 2024
Thoughts and prayers to everyone @WorcsCCC. What sad news. To Josh’s family and friends, I’m at a loss for words 🙏🙏🙏. RIP fellow left arm spinner.
— Samit Patel 🏏 (@Samitpatel21) May 2, 2024
Terribly sad news
Rest in peace, Josh
Thoughts with his friends and family 💔
— Steven Finn (@finnysteve) May 2, 2024
Unimaginable news. Our condolences go out to all of Josh’s friends and especially his family. #cricketfamily
– Alison Mitchell (@AlisonMitchell) May 3, 2024
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