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6 months ago
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Grieving Worcestershire players were reportedly forced to take drug tests on their first day back at training on Tuesday after the death of their team-mate, Josh Baker.
The cricketers complied but were distressed at the timing after Baker was found dead in his apartment on Thursday, May 2.
The UK Anti-Doping agency apologised but club officials were 'angry and dismayed' and the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) has expressed their 'shock'.
UKAD's spot-testing visit was scheduled but the club was not notified in advance, as is protocol.
'It’s at best insensitive and at worst incompetent,' PCA chief executive Rob Lynch told The Telegraph.
Grieving Worcestershire players were reportedly made to take drugs tests on their return to training following the death of team-mate Josh Baker, 20
Baker was found dead in his apartment on Thursday, May 2 and players were 'distressed' at being tested unexpectedly
'We were left shocked when we heard that Ukad anti-doping officials showed up at New Road on Tuesday, and have made this clear to them.
'As a player’s association, we are obviously totally on board with the need to test and ensure the game remains clean.
'But we are very disappointed that common sense did not prevail on this occasion and Ukad did not think to postpone this round of testing for a short while to allow the players space as they return to work at a desperately difficult time that has created headline news and rocked our sport.'
It is understood that UKAD's visit was unrelated to Baker's death.
'UKAD does not usually confirm where and when testing has taken place but in this unusual and sad circumstance we want to. Any concern caused by the tests’ timing was entirely unintentional,' a statement read.
'We offer our condolences to all those who knew and loved Josh Baker.'
Baker, 20, was found dead in his apartment by a friend after he didn't turn up for the start of play on the third day of Worcestershire's match against Somerset last week.
He was part-way through a second team match in his home county when he died, with the match abandoned and ruled a draw following the news.
Baker was playing in a second team game against Somerset when he was found by a friend
The left-arm bowler was a travelling reserve for England at the Under-19 World Cup in 2022
An inquest is underway to establish his cause of death.
The talented spinner started his cricket journey at New Road, where his talents were noticed early on.
He represented England at U-19 level, while asimultaneously signing his first professional contract with the Worcestershire County Cricket Club aged 17 in 2021.
From there Baker continued to impress, signing a three-year deal with the club in 2022.
Baker is credited as playing an instrumental role in Worcestershire's promotion from Championship Division Two, playing a pivotal role in both the red-ball and white-formats.
His parents, Paul and Lisa Baker, wrote on Facebook: 'We are both broken. Achieved so many of his dreams before reaching 21.
'Take every opportunity to hug your parents and children. We’ve taken great comfort from the many messages received so far - keep sharing and posting your memories please.’
Former England captain Michael Vaughan led tributes to Baker on social media from the wider cricketing world.
Worcestershire said Baker had 'vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm that endeared him to everyone he met'
Former England captain Michael Vaughan offered a tribute to Baker on social media
'This is so sad.. Thoughts with all his family & close friends,' Vaughan wrote.
Worcestershire's broke the news of the spinner's passing in a statement referring to his death as 'untimely' and asking 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.
'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.'
Last week, Worcestershire CCC opened a book of condolences at New Road, their home ground.
Meanwhile, county players across the land including Joe Root paid tribute to the starlet.
Worcestershire confirmed Baker's death on social media having played for the second team on Wednesday
The club opened a book of condolences last week to invite tributes to be paid to him
Players will wear Baker's No 33 on their kits for the rest of the campaign, debuting the look on Friday against Kent
Worcestershire players will wear the number 33, Baker's number, on the front of their shirts for the rest of the season in tribute to him.
They will return to action against Kent on Friday.
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