The English Cricket has been left devastated by the demise of young Worcestershire spinner Josh Baker, who passed away at the age of 20 on Thursday, May 2. Baker's death was announced by Worcestershire Country Cricket Club in a statement.
In a statement released by Worcestershire, CEO Ashley Giles stated that Josh Baker's demise left the club devastated as he was more than just a teammate and an integral part of their family.
"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 wrote in a statement by Worcestershire.
The cause of Josh Baker's death was not disclosed either by England Cricket or Worcestershire Country Cricket Club. Baker had picked three wickets for Worcestershire's second team against Somerset in a County Championship match just a day before the club announced his death.
In the County match against Somerset, Baker registered the figures of 3/66 with an economy rate of 3.30 to help Worcestershire bundle out the opposition for 246 in 71.4 overs in the first innings.
Josh Baker's death sent shockwaves not just in English cricket but across the world as the emotional tributes pour in for young spinner.
Netizens' emotional tribute to Josh Baker
Josh Baker Career
Josh Baker made his first-class debut for Worcestershire against Warwickshire in a County Championship in July 2021. He climbed up ranks through the academy at his local county. A couple of weeks after making first-class debut, Baker played his List A for his county club against Kent.
Josh represented England at U-19 and was part of the team as a travelling reserves for the U-19 World Cup in 2022. In 2023, Josh Baker signed three-year professional contract with Worcestershire Country Cricket Club. The deceased youngster already made an impact in the team with his performance in the last three years.
In first-class cricket, Josh Baker scalped 43 wickets, including a four-wicket haul, with an economy rate of 3.42 in 36 innings. With the bat, he scored 411 runs, including two fifties, at an average of 16.44 in 29 innings.
Given his performances in the last two seasons of County Championship, Josh Baker was touted as the next big thing in England Cricket. The English cricket lost a young talent who could have potentially made his name in international cricket.
