GONE TOO SOON
Tragic pictures show smiling Josh Baker enjoying life in Sydney on summer trip to Australia – just months before he died
Josh played for a semi-professional club in Australia last summer
TRAGIC pictures show Josh Baker enjoying life in Sydney during a summer trip to Australia just months before his death.
The talented young cricketer has sadly died aged 20, his club Worcestershire announced in a statement on Thursday.
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It comes just months after Baker, a left-arm spinner, had spent the summer playing for semi-professional side Northern District Cricket Club in northern Sydney.
Photographs shared on his Instagram page show him smiling in various locations around the city.
Baker is seen posing by the Sydney Harbour Bridge and in his club's kit in a number of snaps.
Paying tribute, Northern District CC said on Facebook: "The Club is extremely saddened to hear about the tragic passing of Josh Baker overnight, ND’s First Grade player number 473 and more importantly a great friend to so many of the playing group and wider club.
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"Josh had a charismatic personality, was generous with his time and formed close bonds with everyone he connected with.
"We send our condolences to his parents Lisa and Paul, his family and friends and also to everyone at Worcestershire CCC at this difficult time."
Locals also shared their memories of the youngster, adding: "Our hearts are breaking as we remember Josh as one of the nicest guys around.
"His love of cricket was endless. His passion and dedication was so evident in all that he did. Josh, we will always love you."
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A second wrote: "A wonderful young man gone too soon. Condolences to the family."
It comes as his parents Paul and Lisa today paid tribute on social media, saying: "We are both broken. Achieved so many of his dreams before reaching 21.
"Take every opportunity to hug your parents and children."
Video shows cricketer Josh Baker take stunning catch just weeks before tragic death
Josh's local club in Warwickshire, Kenilworth Wardens CC, also paid tribute yesterday.
They said: "We are shocked and devastated to hear of the passing of our friend & team mate Josh Baker.
"Josh joined our club in 2021 - since then we have shared many happy times together on and off the field and hoped to share many more."
Josh, described by colleagues at Worcestershire as "a popular figure", was reportedly found dead by a friend after he didn't show up for the third day of his team's match against Somerset.
It came just a day after he took three wickets for Worcestershire's second XI in a game against Somerset.
Josh finished the match with figures of 3/66 from 20 overs as the rain-interrupted fixture ended in a draw.
A Worcestershire club statement said: "Worcestershire County Cricket Club is heartbroken to announce the untimely passing of Josh Baker, who was aged only 20 years old.
"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."
Club CEO Ashley Giles added: "The news of Josh’s passing has left us all devastated.
"Josh was much more than a teammate; he was an integral part of our cricket family.
"We will all miss him terribly. All our love and prayers go out to Josh’s family and friends."
A statement from the ECB also said: "The ECB is desperately sad to learn of the passing of Josh Baker. 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."
In 2022, England's Test captain Ben Stokes sent Josh a touching message after facing off against each other.
Stokes, making a rare appearance for Durham, struck the spinner for five sixes and a four as he took 34 from a single over on the way to scoring a century.
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In the message, Stokes said: "You’ve got serious potential and I think you’ll go a long way.
"Most important opinion is from the lads in your changing room, and they will have your back."
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