Written by Lewis Browning
May 3, 2024 09:10, Updated May 3, 2024 09:31
A heartbreaking video showed Josh Baker taking three wickets for Worcestershire just hours before his tragic death.
The cricketing world was shocked when Baker's Club announced the 20-year-old's passing on Thursday, before tributes began to pour in for the talented spinner.
MailSport has since learned that Baker was found dead in his apartment by a friend after he failed to turn up for the start of the team's third game against Somerset.
Baker, who played 47 games for the county after turning professional in 2021, was participating in a second-team match in his home county at the time of his death, but the match was called off following the news of his death and was ruled a draw. It became.
Hours before his death, Worcestershire's X (formerly Twitter) account shared a compilation of the youngster's efforts during Wednesday's match.
Baker took three wickets with his left-arm orthodox bowling, beating out England hopefuls Josh Thomas, younger brother of James, Thomas Lew, and current England star Jack Leach.
First, he took the wicket of wicketkeeper Liew via LBW and was seen making a passionate appeal before the umpire ruled him out.
Leach's wicket then fell, the Somerset man spooned a shot into the air, and Baker received the catch of his own bowling.
We then see Thomas fall in the same way and Baker leans forward to make the catch.
Baker was due to return to the field at Bromsgrove on Thursday, but the match was called off with Worcestershire's first team not taking part in this week's County Championship.
He has played in the team's first team twice this season.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan led tributes to Baker from across the cricket world on social media.
“Very sad. My thoughts go to all of my family and close friends,” Vaughan wrote.
No further details were released about the circumstances of the boy's death as the club requests privacy and respect for his family.
Worcestershire's statement referred to Mr Baker's “untimely death” and asked for his family's privacy to be respected.
A statement read: “Worcestershire County Cricket Club is heartbroken to announce the untimely passing of Josh Baker, aged just 20 years old.”
“The club is dedicated to supporting Josh's family, friends and colleagues at this extremely difficult time. We stand united in our grief and commemorate him in a manner befitting the great man he was.” We will do our best to honor the.
“His vibrant spirit and contagious enthusiasm endeared him to everyone he met. His warmth, kindness and professionalism were remarkable and he is a true credit to his family. , has become a beloved member of our team.
“Plans for paying tribute to Josh will be made in consultation with his family, but will remain private at this time. The Club joins Josh's family in mourning this immense loss and asks that their privacy be respected. No further comment will be provided during this sensitive period.”
Former England spinner Ashley Giles, Worcestershire chief executive, gave a personal message.
“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,” Giles said.
Baker took 43 wickets in 22 first-class appearances, his last match coming less than two weeks ago against Durham.
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 also expressed their condolences to Baker's family and friends.
“The ECB is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Josh Baker,” the statement read.
“This is devastating news. We send our best wishes to Josh's family and friends, everyone who knew and loved him and everyone at Worcestershire CCC.”