Funeral for Worcestershire cricketer Josh Baker sees hundreds bid emotional farewell

Hundreds of mourners gathered to bid an emotional farewell to a talented young cricketer. Josh Baker died at the age of 20 last month.

The spin bowler was discovered dead at his Worcester home by a friend after he failed to show up for a match on May 2. He had been scheduled to play on the third day of the county's second XI game against Somerset in Bromsgrove, having taken three wickets just a day earlier.

His cause of death has not yet been disclosed. Over 500 people attended his funeral at Redditch Crematorium on Monday (June 10) to say their final goodbyes to the popular player.

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Teammates wore flowery shirts and others donned bright colours at the family's request to "celebrate his joy and positivity". His coffin was covered with a flag that read "Forever A Pear" - a nod to the nickname of Worcestershire CCC.

The hour-long service was filled with shared memories and humorous anecdotes, ending with the congregation leaving the chapel to the tune of ABBA's Waterloo. Due to the large number of people wishing to attend, the service was also livestreamed and followed by a commemorative event at the club's New Road ground.

In a tribute read out to those present, his parents Paul and Lisa Baker said: "Josh was literally our world, being our only much-loved child." They added: "Every decision we made and every thought running through our minds was about providing him the platform to succeed in life."

They concluded by saying: "He went on to live every sports mad boy and girls dream by playing professional. We are so proud of everything he did."

Josh turned professional with Worcestershire in 2021, playing 47 times for the club and twice being capped by England at under-19 level. He took 70 wickets across all three formats of the game, scored 525 runs and signed a three-year contract with his home county last year.

Following his death, Worcestershire announced they would be wearing the spin bowler's number 33 on their playing shirts for the remainder of the season. Ashley Giles, Worcestershire's chief executive officer, said previously: "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 CCC said in a statement prior to the funeral: "This day will be dedicated to honouring Josh's memory and reflecting on the many cherished moments he brought to our lives.

"In keeping with Josh's vibrant personality and spirit, the family requests that attendees refrain from wearing black clothing or bringing flowers.

"Instead, comfortable, casual, and colourful attire is encouraged to truly celebrate the joy and positivity that Josh embodied.

"The virtual presence of supporters will also be deeply appreciated by Josh's family and the Worcestershire County Cricket Club community."

Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 13, Josh became the focus of charitable donations to Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation. In his memory, a JustGiving fundraiser has been established, which has impressively collected £4,800 to date.

Those wishing to contribute can do so here.