The whole cricket world was left in shock when young Worcestershire left-arm spinner Josh Baker lost his life at the age of just 20. While his reason of death is not revealed, Baker has been playing for his County Club since 2021 and had picked 70 wickets. Worcestershire issued statement for the same on their official website. It read, "Josh turned professional with the Club in 2021 and quickly became a popular figure 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." Josh Baker Dies: Worcestershire Spinner Shockingly Passes Away at Age 20, Cricket Club Releases Statement

Just a day before passing away, Josh Baker had picked up a three-wicket haul against Somerset. Baker signed his first contract with Worcestershire at the age of just 17 and has picked 43 wickets in 22 first-class matches. Apart from his performance in red-ball format, he has further grabbed 27 wickets in 25 List A matches. Josh Baker Dies: Left-Arm Spinner Had Taken Three Wickets for Worcestershire 2nd XI Against Somerset 2nd XI In Last Match Before His Shocking Death At Age 20 (Watch Video)

Who Was Josh Baker?

# Josh Baker was born on May 16, 2003, in Redditch, Worcestershire

# Josh Baker played a total of 22 matches in first-class cricket followed by 17 games in List A and eight T20 matches for Worcestershire.

# Baker had picked 43, 24 and 3 wickets in first class, List A and T20 cricket respectively.

# Josh Baker first came into the limelight in the year 2022, when he bowled to England's Test captain Ben Stokes. Baker was hit for 34 runs in an over and had an off day. However, later, Josh received a Whatsapp message from Stokes wherein he got a lot of advice from him.

#Josh Baker picked up a three-wicket haul a day before he passed away against Somerset.

Worcestershire has announced that the County Club will pay tribute to Josh Baker in the coming days.

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 03, 2024 03:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).