A heartbreaking interview with Josh Baker has emerged, in which he can be seen talking about his ambitions for the future just over a year before his tragic death.
The cricket world was shocked on Thursday when Baker’s club revealed the 20-year-old had passed away before tributes began to flow for the talented spinner.
Mail Sport has since learned that Baker was found dead in his flat by a friend after he failed to turn up for kick-off on the third day of his team’s match against Somerset.
Baker was participating in a second team match in his home county when he died, the match was abandoned and declared a draw following the news.
A day after his passing, a video of an interview with the spinner about signing a new contract and returning from injury last summer emerged and it makes for heartbreaking viewing.
Heartbreaking footage of Josh Baker has emerged, in which he can be seen talking about his ambitions for the future.
The talented cricketer was found dead in his apartment by a friend when he failed to show up for a match he was playing in.
The left-hand bowler was England’s roaming reserve in the 2022 U-19 World Cup and was aiming for the senior team.
“The future is also very exciting,” Baker can be seen. ‘Just to have a little security. After the injury too, not playing since August, it is a lot of security, very happy to sign that contract.
“Very positive, back to full fitness, back to bowling, back to doing everything, back to being with the boys too which is nice, fully fit and ready to go.” All systems go, green light.
“It was a big step up from school cricket, a lot of tired legs, T20 has been a big step up with the intensity and playing against big names which has been a challenge but I’ve enjoyed it.”
‘Most of the lads were very helpful, telling me to keep doing what I’m doing and that’s enough. The biggest challenge is bowling with very good players like Joe Root and Dawid Malan.
Baker, then 19, had just signed a new contract to remain at Worcestershire until the end of the 2025 season.
He made a total of 47 appearances for his county after turning professional in 2021, including two earlier this year.
The talented star can be seen in the video revealing his ambitions with England, having previously been part of his country’s Under 19 team.
“I want to try to improve the order and hit seven or eight,” he said. ‘Be a real all-rounder because, when trying to get into the Test side or the Lions side, you have to be able to hold a bat too.
‘At some point I want to try to get there and even further. Seeing Haynes and Tongue away with the Lions this winter and doing really well has really dampened my apatite a little more.
Worcestershire said they were “heartbroken” by the death of Baker, 20.
Baker was playing in a second team match against Somerset and took three goals on Wednesday.
He went on to reveal the season’s ambitions for Worcestershire, who achieved promotion to the First Division, saying: “I feel like we’ve got a really good team and we’ve recruited quite well.” I think we will do well in all competitions.
“We have talked about the will to win every game, try to win Division Two, the Blast and the 50 over, those are our goals for this year.”
A few hours before Baker’s death, Worcestershire’s X account (formerly Twitter) shared a compilation of the youngster’s efforts on Wednesday during the ongoing match against Somerset.
He had taken three wickets on Wednesday in the game, including that of current England star Jack Leach.
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.
‘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.”
Meanwhile, Baker’s parents have said they are “devastated” following their son’s death.
‘We are both devastated. He achieved many of his dreams before turning 21,’ they wrote on social media. “Take advantage of every opportunity to hug your parents and children.”
Baker’s parents, Lisa and Paul, took to Facebook to share their devastation and thank friends and family for sharing memories of their son.
The heartbreaking comment was accompanied by a touching photograph of the couple hugging Josh on the edge of Worcestershire County Cricket Club.
They added: “We have been very comforted by the many messages received so far – please continue to share and post your memories.”
It was learned that Baker was diagnosed with diabetes at a young age and the medical cause of death is being explored.
His death is being investigated by the coroner and an inquest is expected to open next week.
