The cricket world has been remembering Josh Baker at the moment after the Worcester star, 20, was discovered lifeless in his flat by a buddy on Thursday.
Worcestershire CCC have opened a e book of condolences at New Highway, their dwelling floor.
In the meantime, county gamers throughout the land together with Joe Root paid tribute to the proficient spinner.
Household and mates have been involved after the Worcestershire spinner failed to point out up for the beginning of play on day three of his group’s match towards Somerset on Thursday.
A buddy referred to as by his condo and located him lifeless, sending shockwaves and heartbreak by the tight-knit cricket group.
Worcestershire CCC have opened a e book of condolences in tribute to Josh Baker
The 20-year-old spinner was discovered lifeless on Thursday and tributes for him have flooded in
County gamers have worn black armbands as an indication of respect to the proficient teen
He had performed in a second group recreation towards Somerset and took three wickets on Wednesday, a match together with England star Jack Leach, hours earlier than he handed and tributes started to move in.
Baker performed 47 instances for Worcestershire after turning professional in 2021, together with a match towards Durham that 12 months when he was 18, and got here up towards Stokes within the early days of his function as England captain.
Stokes smashed 5 sixes off Baker’s bowling in a single over within the recreation when the spinner was simply 18, however took the time to ship him a textual content message of encouragement within the aftermath.
‘You have obtained severe potential and I feel you will go a good distance,’ Stokes wrote. ‘Most vital opinion is from the lads in your altering room, and they’ll have your again.’
He additionally performed 17 Checklist A video games and eight T20s and was a travelling reserve for England on the Below-19 World Cup in 2022.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan led tributes to Baker on social media from the broader cricketing world.
‘That is so unhappy.. Ideas with all his household & shut mates,’ Vaughan wrote.
The England and Wales Cricket Board additionally supplied their condolences to Baker’s household and mates.
Information of Baker’s demise emerged on Thursday after he was discovered lifeless in his condo by a buddy
England captain Ben Stokes (pictured) despatched a touching message to Baker previous to the 20-year-old’s tragic demise
Baker took to social media to reference his recreation towards Stokes in what was his final publish on X
‘The ECB is desperately unhappy to study of the passing of Josh Baker,’ an announcement learn.
‘That is devastating information. We prolong our greatest needs to Josh’s household and mates, to everybody who knew and cherished him, and to everybody at Worcestershire CCC.’
No additional particulars have been shared in regards to the circumstances of the teen’s passing, with the membership requesting privateness and respect for his household.
Worcestershire’s assertion referred to Baker’s ‘premature passing’ and requested for his household’s privateness to be revered.
The assertion learn: ‘Worcestershire County Cricket Membership is heartbroken to announce the premature passing of Josh Baker, who was aged solely 20 years previous.
‘Throughout this profoundly troublesome time, the membership is devoted to supporting Josh’s household, mates, and colleagues. We’re united in our grief and dedicated to honouring his reminiscence in a way befitting the outstanding individual he was.
Worcestershire described Baker as having ‘vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm that endeared him to everybody he met’
The membership mentioned they’re ‘devoted to supporting Baker’s household, mates and colleagues’
Former England captain Michael Vaughan supplied a tribute to Baker on social media
The ECB mentioned it’s ‘desperately unhappy to study of the passing of Baker’
‘It was his vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm that endeared him to everybody he met. His heat, kindness, and professionalism have been outstanding, making him a real credit score to his household and a cherished member of our group.
‘Plans to pay tribute to Josh can be made in session along with his household and can stay non-public presently. The membership, together with Josh’s household, requests the respect of privateness as we mourn this immense loss. Additional feedback won’t be supplied throughout this delicate interval.’
