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6 months ago
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The cricket world was left heartbroken when it was announced that cricket star Josh Baker was found dead at the age of 20.
Family and friends expressed concern over the talented Worcestershire spinner after he failed to show up for the start of play on day three of his team's match against Somerset.
After attempts to make contact with him fell flat, a friend called by his apartment to find English Spinner dead.
Sending shock waves and heartbreak through the tight-knit cricket community.
Here is everything you need to know about the talented English all-rounder who tragically passed away.
20-year-old cricketer Josh Baker was found dead on Thursday, May 2
The young English man played for Worcestershire County Cricket Club
Concern was raised for his well being when he failed to show up for Day three of Worcestershire's match against Somerset on Thursday, May 2
Who was Josh Baker?
Josh Baker was a 20 year-old English spin bowler who played for county club Worcestershire.
Baker was born on May 16 in 2003 to parents Paul and Lisa Baker and grew up in Redditch, Worcestershire where he developed his love for cricket.
Cricket career
Baker started his cricket journey at New Road, where his talents were noticed early on.
The 20-year-old would eventually represent England at U-19 level, whilst also simultaneously signing his first professional contract with the Worcestershire County Cricket Club at the young age of 17 back in 2021.
From there Baker continued to impress, signing a brand new 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.
Despite his age Baker had created quite the resume in Cricket
He had the versatility to play as either a left-arm spin bowler or a right-hand batter
Career stats
From his current statistics Baker would of had an incredible career ahead of him and would have more than likely earned a call-up to England sooner rather than later.
Baker registered 43 wickets in 22 first-class matches and 27 wickets in 25 white-ball appearances.
His versatility of being able to play as a left-arm spin bowler or a right-hand batter would of also aided his upward trajectory in the sport.
Although he was only 20-years-old Baker had two-half centuries to his name, which includes a career-best 75 against Gloucestershire in July 2023.
Other impressive numbers registered by the spinner were he took three wickets in eight T20 matches and in First-Class he scored 411 runs, in List A 100 runs and in T20s he scored 14 runs.
The 20-year-old had two-half centuries to his name, which included a career-best 75 against Gloucestershire in July 2023.
What has been said?
Speaking out about his untimely death his club's chief executive Ashley Giles said Baker's death had left 'is all devastated'.
Former England captain Michael Vaughnan also took to social media to express his sorrow and lead tributes for Baker.
'This is so sad.. Thoughts with all his family & close friends,' Vaughan wrote.
The England and Wales Cricket Board also offered their condolences and sympathy to Baker's family and friends.
'The ECB is desperately sad to learn of the passing of Josh Baker,' a statement read.
'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.'
His parents also broke their silence on his shocking death. They went onto social media to say: 'We are both broken. Achieved so many of his dreams before reaching 21.
'Take every opportunity to hug your parents and children.'
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