Srinagar: Cricket fraternity has been left on shock as the 20 year old Worcestershire left arm spinner Josh Baker has passed away.
His passing away was announced by Worcestershire. On Wednesday, Josh Baker was in the wickets for Worcestershire against Somerset in the Second Eleven Championship and on Thursday club announced that he has passed away.
Baker, who inked his inaugural contract with the club at 17 in 2021, bagged 43 wickets in 22 first-class matches, along with an additional 27 in 25 white-ball outings.
He also showed promise as an all-rounder, evidenced by two half-centuries, notably a career-best 75 against Gloucestershire in July 2023. During that same season, in Worcestershire’s final match against Yorkshire at Headingley, he clinched the crucial run that secured a second batting point and the club’s promotion to the top flight, sparking jubilation on the visitors’ balcony.
Hailing from Redditch, Baker progressed through the age-group ranks at New Road and represented England at under-19 level. Last season, he penned a fresh three-year deal and spent the recent winter in Sydney, plying his trade for Northern District CC in the New South Wales Premier League.
“The news of Josh’s passing has left us all devastated,” Ashley Giles, Worcestershire’s chief executive, 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’s most remarkable moment occurred against Durham at New Road in May 2022. At just 18 years old and in his ninth first-class match, he encountered Ben Stokes, recently revealed as England’s captain, determined to deliver a commanding innings.
In that encounter, Baker conceded 34 runs in a single over, comprising five sixes and a one-bounce four. However, despite this setback, he concluded with a formidable 161 runs from 88 balls. Stokes, recognizing Baker’s potential, reached out to him via WhatsApp, urging him not to allow that day to dictate the course of the remainder of his 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 recalled Baker’s popularity within the squad. “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.
“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 not be provided during this sensitive period.”