Heartbreaking video shows Josh Baker taking three wickets for Worcestershire just hours 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, who played 47 times for his county after turning professional in 2021, was taking part in a second team match in his home county when he died, the match was abandoned and declared a draw following the news.
A few hours before his death, Worcestershire’s X (formerly Twitter) account shared a compilation of the youngster’s efforts on Wednesday during the match.
Footage has emerged of cricketer Josh Baker taking three wickets for Worcestershire just hours before his death.
Cricket star Josh Baker (centre) was found dead in his apartment by a friend after he failed to show up for the start of the game.
Worcestershire said they were “heartbroken” by the death of Baker, 20, who was found dead on Thursday.
Baker was playing in a second team match against Somerset when a friend found him.
Baker picked up three wickets with his orthodox left-arm bowling, dismissing Thomas Rew, brother of England hopeful James, Josh Thomas and current England star Jack Leach.
He can be seen for the first time taking the wicket of wicketkeeper Rew through LBW, making an impassioned appeal before the umpire gives the out call.
Leach’s wicket then falls, with the Somerset man flicking a shot into the air and Baker removing his grip from his own bowling.
Thomas can then be seen falling in the same manner, with Baker leaning forward to catch him.
Baker was due to return to the field at Bromsgrove on Thursday but the game has now come to an end, with Worcestershire’s first team missing out on action in the County Championship this week.
He had played for his team’s first team twice this season.
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.
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.
The spinner played 47 times for Worcestershire County after turning professional in 2021.
The left-handed bowler was England’s roaming reserve in the 2022 U-19 World Cup.
Worcestershire said Baker had “a vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm that endeared him to everyone he met.”
Former England captain Michael Vaughan paid tribute to Baker on social media
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.
‘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.
Worcestershire confirmed Baker’s death on social media after playing for the second team on Wednesday.
The ECB said it is “desperately sad to learn of Baker’s death”
‘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 took a total of 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 U-19 World Cup.
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.
Ben Stokes had previously sent a message to Baker after the two played against each other.
‘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.’
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.”
England captain Ben Stokes sent Baker a touching message after they clashed on the field two years ago.
Stokes smashed five sixes off Baker’s bowling in one over in the game when the spinner was just 18, but took the time to send him an encouraging text afterwards.
“You have great potential and I believe you will go very far,” Stokes wrote. “The most important opinion is that of the guys in your locker room, and they will have your back.”
Last year, cricket publication Wisden on
‘A day to remember…’ Baker wrote, accompanied by a face emoji with one eye peeking out. The publication was Baker’s last before his death.