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England's 20-year-old spinner Josh Baker has passed away aged 20, Worcestershire County Cricket Club confirmed in a statement on May 2. The club did not specify the cause of death. The club's chief executive and former England spinner Ashley Giles 'has left all of us devastated'.
"Josh was much more than a team-mate; he was an integral part of our cricket family," the former England spinner said. "We will all miss him terribly. All our love and prayers go out to Josh's family and friends."
Baker was a promising left-arm spinner and represented England's Under-19 team. Last month, he featured in a First-Class game against Durham. Last year, he earned a three-year contract with the club. He helped Worcestershire to move to Division One.
"More than his skills as a spin bowler, it was his vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm that endeared him to everyone he met," the club statement said. "His warmth, kindness, and professionalism were remarkable, making him a true credit to his family and a loved member of our team."
Paul Lunch, the CEO of Professional Cricketers’ Association paid tribute to the young spinner.
"Everybody at the PCA is heartbroken to hear of Josh's passing and we offer our sincere condolences to all his family, friends and teammates,” he said in a statement.
"Josh was a cricketer with his full career and life ahead of him and this news is impossible to comprehend. The PCA and the Professional Cricketers' Trust are working to support Josh's family, his team-mates and all PCA members who are affected."
Stokes’ special message to Baker in 2022
The Redditch-born cricketer made headlines when he conceded 34 runs in an oaver against Ben Stokes in May 2022. Stokes reached out to the teenager and sent him a message to not to "let today define the rest of your 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."
Baker’s statistics
From 22 first-class games, Baker has 43 wickets to his name. He has scored 411 runs at an average of 16.44 including two half-centuries. In List A and T20s, he has 23 and three wickets respectively.
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