Worcestershire County Cricket Club announces death of spinner Josh Baker, aged 20

Worcestershire spinner Josh Baker has died at the age of 20, the club have announced. In a statement released today (May 2), Worcestershire County Cricket Club said they were 'heartbroken' and 'devastated' by the loss of the young player, who has played two Vitality County Championship matches this season.

Josh made his first-class debut for Worcestershire in July 2021 in the County Championship. He made his List A debut later in July for Worcestershire in the 2021 Royal London One-Day Cup.

In December 2021, he was named as one of two reserve players in England's team for the 2022 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. He made his Twenty20 debut in May 2022 for the Worcestershire Rapids in the 2022 T20 Blast.

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Josh took 43 wickets in 22 first-class appearances during his professional career, the last of which came against Durham less than a fortnight ago.

The club's statement read: “Worcestershire County Cricket Club is heartbroken to announce the untimely passing of Josh Baker, who was aged only 20 years old.

“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.

“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.

“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. Further comments will not be provided during this sensitive period.”

Ashley Giles, Worcestershire’s Chief Executive Officer and former England spinner, shared his profound sadness, stating: “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.”

England and Wales Cricket Board also shared a statement on X, formerly Twitter. It read: "The ECB is desperately sad to learn of the passing of Josh Baker. This is devastating news. We extend our best wishes to Josh's family and friends, to everyone who knew and loved him, and to everyone at Worcestershire CCC."

No further details were shared about Josh's passing, with an appeal for privacy for his family.