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The cricket world was left heartbroken when it was announced that cricket star Josh Baker was found dead at the age of 20.
Family and friends have expressed concern for the talented Worcestershire spinner after he failed to turn up for kick-off on the third day of his team’s match against Somerset.
After attempts to make contact with him failed, a friend called his apartment and found English Spinner dead.
Sending waves of shock and anguish through the tight-knit cricket community.
Here’s everything you need to know about the talented English all-rounder who tragically passed away.
Cricketer Josh Baker, 20, was found dead on Thursday, May 2.
The young Englishman played for Worcestershire County Cricket Club
Concern was expressed for his welfare when he did not turn up for the third day of Worcestershire’s match against Somerset on Thursday 2 May.
Who was Josh Baker?
Josh Baker was a 20-year-old English bowler who played for county club Worcestershire.
Baker was born on May 16, 2003, and grew up in Redditch, Worcestershire, where he developed his love of cricket.
cricket career
Baker began his cricketing journey at New Road where his talent was noticed early on.
The 20-year-old would eventually represent England at Under-19 level while also signing his first professional contract with Worcestershire County Cricket Club at the young age of 17 in 2021.
From there, Baker continued to impress and signed a new three-year contract with the club in 2022.
Baker is credited with playing a pivotal role in Worcestershire’s promotion from Division Two of the Championship, playing a pivotal role in both the red and white ball formats.
Despite his age, Baker had built quite a resume in Cricket.
He had the versatility to play as a left-arm spin bowler or as a right-hand batsman.
Career statistics
Based on his current stats, Baker would have had an incredible career ahead of him and would most likely have earned a call-up to England sooner rather than later.
Baker recorded 43 wickets in 22 first-class matches and 27 wickets in 25 white-ball appearances.
His versatility of being able to play as a left-arm spin bowler or right-hand batsman would have also helped in his upward trajectory in the sport.
Although only 20, Baker had two and a half centuries to his name, including a career-best 75 against Gloucestershire in July 2023.
Other impressive numbers recorded by the spinner were that he took three wickets in eight T20 matches and in First Class he scored 411 runs, in List A 100 runs and in T20 he scored 14 runs.
The 20-year-old had two and a half centuries to his name, including a career-best 75 against Gloucestershire in July 2023.
What has been said?
Speaking about his untimely death, his club’s chief executive, Ashley Giles, said Baker’s death had left him “everything devastated”.
Former England captain Michael Vaughnan also took to social media to express his grief and pay tribute to Baker.
“This is so sad… Thoughts to all his family and close friends,” Vaughan wrote.
The England and Wales Cricket Board also offered its condolences and sympathy to Baker’s family and friends.
“The ECB is desperately sad to learn of the passing of Josh Baker,” a statement said.
‘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.’
