Cricket star Josh Baker has died just two weeks before his 21st birthday – with Michael Vaughan leading the tributes for the talented Worcestershire spinner.
Baker was playing for his county’s second XI just yesterday, with a statement from club chief executive Ashley Giles saying the news of the sportsman’s death has left ‘us all devastated’.
Baker took three wickets against Somerset at Bromsgrove yesterday, with the game abandoned as a draw on Thursday, and previously featured in two Vitality County Championship games last month.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan led tributes to Baker on social media from the wider cricketing world.
‘This is so sad.. Thoughts with all his family & close friends,’ Vaughan wrote.
The England and Wales Cricket Board also offered their condolences to Baker’s family and friends.
‘The ECB is desperately sad to learn of the passing of Josh Baker,’ a statement read.
Worcestershire have said they are ‘heartbroken’ at the death of 20-year-old spinner Josh Baker
The club described Baker as having a ‘vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm’ in a tribute
Baker was playing for his county’s second XI just yesterday
‘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.’
No further details have been shared about the circumstances of the youngster’s passing, with the club requesting privacy and respect for his family.
Worcestershire’s statement referred to Baker’s ‘untimely passing’ and asked for his family’s privacy to be respected.
The statement read: ‘Worcestershire County Cricket Club is heartbroken to announce the untimely passing of Josh Baker, who was aged only 20 years old.
‘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.
‘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.
Worcestershire said the club is ‘dedicated to supporting Baker’s family, friends and colleagues’
‘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. Further comments will not be provided during this sensitive period.’
Worcestershire chief executive, the former England spinner Ashley Giles, offered a personal message.
‘The news of Josh’s passing has left us all devastated. Josh was much more than a team-mate; 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,’ said Giles.
Baker turned professional in 2021, taking 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 games and eight T20s and was a travelling reserve for England at the Under-19 World Cup in 2022.
Condolences and tributes poured in from around the wider game, with the England and Wales Cricket Board mourning the ‘devastating news’ on X.
Worcestershire confirmed Baker’s death on social media having played for the second team yesterday
Former England captain Michael Vaughan offered a tribute to Baker on social media
The ECB said it is ‘desperately sad to learn of the passing of Baker’
Daryl Mitchell, chief operating officer at the Professional Cricketers’ Association and one time Worcestershire team-mate of Baker, wrote: ‘Bakes was an infectious character that became the life and soul of the dressing room at such a young age. Thoughts with the family and everyone at WCCC.’
Pakistan spinner Usama Mir, another former New Road colleague of Baker’s, added: ‘So sad and upset to hear the news of Josh’s passing. He was one of the nicest people you could meet. And a brilliant cricketer. Really devastated to hear this news. Thoughts and prayers with his family.’
PCA chief executive Rob Lynch said the news was ‘impossible to comprehend’, while the ECB’s managing director of men’s cricket, Rob Key, tweeted: ‘This is absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts go out to all of Josh’s family.’
