Cricket star Josh Baker died just two weeks before his 21st birthday, with Michael Vaughan leading tributes to the talented Worcestershire spinner.
Baker was playing for his county’s second XI yesterday, and the club’s chief executive, Ashley Giles, said in a statement that the news of the athlete’s death has left us “all devastated”.
Baker took three wickets against Somerset at Bromsgrove yesterday, the game was abandoned as a draw on Thursday and he previously featured in two Vitality County Championship games last month.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan led tributes to Baker on social media from the wider cricket world.
“This is so sad… Thoughts to all his family and close friends,” Vaughan wrote.
The England and Wales Cricket Board also offered its condolences to Baker’s family and friends.
“The ECB is desperately sad to learn of the passing of Josh Baker,” a statement said.
Worcestershire has said it is “heartbroken” by the death of 20-year-old Josh Baker.
The club described Baker as having a “vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm” in a tribute.
Baker was playing for his county’s second XI yesterday.
‘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 have been shared about the circumstances of the young man’s death, and the club requests privacy and respect for his family.
Worcestershire’s statement referred to Baker’s “untimely passing” and asked that his family’s privacy be respected.
The statement said: “Worcestershire County Cricket Club is heartbroken to announce the untimely death of Josh Baker, who was just 20 years old.”
‘During this deeply difficult time, the club is dedicated to supporting Josh’s family, friends and colleagues. We are united in our grief and committed to honoring his memory in a way befitting the extraordinary 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 real credit to his family and a beloved member of our team.
Worcestershire said the club is “dedicated to supporting Baker’s family, friends and colleagues”.
‘Plans to honor Josh will be made in consultation with his family and will remain private at this time. The club, along with Josh’s family, requests respect for privacy as we mourn this immense loss. “No further comments will be made during this very sensitive period.”
Worcestershire chief executive, former England player Ashley Giles, offered a personal message.
‘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,” Giles said.
Baker turned professional in 2021 and took 43 wickets in 22 first-class appearances, the last of which came against Durham less than a fortnight ago. He also played 17 List A and eight T20 matches and was a roving reserve for England in the 2022 Under-19 World Cup.
Condolences and tributes poured in from across the sporting world, with the England and Wales Cricket Board mourning the “devastating news” about X.
Worcestershire confirmed Baker’s death on social media after playing for the second team yesterday.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan paid tribute to Baker on social media
The ECB said it is “desperately sad to learn of Baker’s death”
Daryl Mitchell, chief operating officer of the Professional Cricketers’ Association and Baker’s former Worcestershire teammate, wrote: “Bakes was an infectious character who became the life and soul of the dressing room at such a young age. Thoughts with the family and everyone at WCCC.’
Usama Mir, another former colleague of Baker’s at New Road, added: “I am very sad and upset to hear the news of Josh’s passing.” He was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. And a brilliant cricketer. Truly devastated to hear this news. Thoughts and prayers with his family.’
PCA chief executive Rob Lynch said the news was “impossible to comprehend”, while ECB director general of men’s cricket Rob Key tweeted: “This is absolutely heartbreaking.” “My thoughts are with Josh’s entire family.”