sport news Cricket pays tribute to Josh Baker as Worcestershire open book of condolences ... trends now
The cricket world has been remembering Josh Baker today after the Worcester star, 20, was found dead in his flat by a friend on Thursday.
Worcestershire CCC have opened a book of condolences at New Road, their home ground.
Meanwhile, county players across the land including Joe Root paid tribute to the talented spinner.
Family and friends were concerned after the Worcestershire spinner failed to show up for the start of play on day three of his team's match against Somerset on Thursday.
A friend called by his apartment and found him dead, sending shockwaves and heartbreak through the tight-knit cricket community.
Worcestershire CCC have opened a book of condolences in tribute to Josh Baker
The 20-year-old spinner was found dead on Thursday and tributes for him have flooded in
County players have worn black armbands as a sign of respect to the talented youngster
He had played in a second team game against Somerset and took three wickets on Wednesday, a match including England star Jack Leach, hours before he passed and tributes began to flow in.
Baker played 47 times for Worcestershire after turning pro in 2021, including a match against Durham that year when he was 18, and came up against Stokes in the early days of his role as England captain.
Stokes smashed five sixes off Baker's bowling in one over in the game when the spinner was just 18, but took the time to send him a text message of encouragement in the aftermath.
'You've got serious potential and I think you'll go a long way,' Stokes wrote. 'Most important opinion is from the lads in your changing room, and they will have your back.'
He also played 17 List A games and eight T20s and was a travelling reserve for England at the Under-19 World Cup in 2022.
