The last video of tragic cricketer Josh Baker shows the talented young man on the wicket.
The Worcestershire spinner has died at the age of 20, his club announced on Thursday. Peers said he was “devastated” by the loss of the former England Under-19 international, who played in County's second eleven, less than 24 hours after the shocking news broke.
No further details were released about the circumstances of the boy's death as the club requests privacy and respect for his family. Baker took three wickets against Somerset at Bromsgrove on Wednesday, and the match was abandoned after a draw on Thursday. He played in two games at the Vitality County Championship last month.
A video of the wicket has been circulating on social media, showing Baker making a successful lbw appeal before taking two catch-and-bowl chances. Worcestershire chief executive Ashley Giles was among those to pay tribute to Mr Baker.
The former England spinner said: “We are all shocked to hear of Josh's passing. Josh was more than just a teammate. He was an integral part of our cricket family. We all miss him. He will be greatly missed. All our love and prayers go out to Josh's family and friends.”
Baker turned professional in 2021 and has taken 43 wickets in 22 first-class appearances, his last match coming against Durham less than two weeks ago. He also played 17 List A matches and eight T20 matches, and was included in England's touring reserves at the 2022 U-19 World Cup.
The England and Wales Cricket Board mourned the “devastating news” of X, with condolences and condolences pouring in from across the game.
Darryl Mitchell, chief operating officer of the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) and a former Worcestershire team-mate of Baker, wrote: My thoughts are with my family and everyone at WCCC. ”