“The news of Josh’s passing has left us all devastated,” club chief executive and former England Test spinner Ashley Giles said.

“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.”

Baker had also made his presence felt in Australia after playing grade cricket for Northern Districts in Sydney.

Northern Districts club president Jerry Hook told Wide World of Sports the news is a “tragedy” and that Baker will be sorely missed.

“We spoke to his parents in the UK and they have passed on their best wishes to those who looked after Josh over the summer” Hook said.

“It was sudden, that’s all we know. He played a day’s cricket and bowled 20 overs. In the early evening it was something very sudden, there’s no details yet.

“It’s just a tragic loss of a young life of an incredibly talented young cricketer. We just spent the night asking ourselves what he could have been in the game.

“The guys here thought the world of him, he was a massive personality as well as a very talented cricketer.

“His loss will be felt heavily by the guys. He was very popular socially and a character. He didn’t take long to build friendships, which would have lasted a lifetime as they do in sport.

“His loss will be keenly felt. We have a presentation night tonight, it will certainly have a very different focus. We think it’s the right thing to be together when you’ve got grief.”

One of the more noteworthy moments of his career, was when he came up against Ben Stokes in his ninth first-class match for Durham.

Baker was struck for 34 in an over, but Stokes sought him out on social media and sent him a message to not “let today define the rest of your season”.

“You’ve got serious potential and [I] think you’ll go a long way,” Stokes added. “Most important opinion is from the lads in your changing-room and they will always have your back. This coming from someone who got meeeeeeeelted in a T20 World Cup final.”

A statement from Worcestershire paid tribute to Baker.

“More than his skills as a spin bowler, 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 true credit to his family and a loved member of our team,” the statement read.

“During this profoundly difficult time, the club is dedicated to supporting Josh’s family, friends, and colleagues. We are united in our grief and committed to honouring his memory in a manner befitting the remarkable person he was.

“Plans to pay tribute to Josh will be made in consultation with his family and will remain private at this time. The club, along with Josh’s family, requests the respect of privacy as we mourn this immense loss. No further comments will be provided during this sensitive period.”

The ECB said it was “desperately sad to learn” of Baker’s unexpected death: “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.”