sport news Worcestershire head coach pays tribute to 'special' Josh Baker and reveals his ... trends now

Worcestershire head coach Alan Richardson has revealed that his players are 'still trying to process' the tragic death of young spinner Josh Baker, as they resume their season a week on from his unexpected passing. 

Grieving players returned to training for the first time on Tuesday, where they were joined by Baker's parents, Paul and Lisa, who spent time with their late son’s friends and team-mates.

The 20-year-old was found dead in his apartment by a friend after he didn't turn up for the start of play on the third day of Worcestershire's match against Somerset last week.

Richardson paid tribute to Baker as he opened up on the impact of the youngster's death on the team ahead of their County Championship clash against Kent. 

'Guys are still trying to process it,' he told The Guardian. 'A lot of them have never experienced grief before. There is still shock and a lot of sadness that will keep coming to the surface as we hit different milestones along the way.

'It was incredibly tough being back in the week. As soon as you went into the dressing room and saw Josh’s locker, you just expected him to be there. 

'He was a really special person: talented, competitive, stubborn and very, very funny. Half an hour sitting with Josh on the balcony at New Road was always entertaining.

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'The lads were so appreciative of Paul and Lisa coming to our first session back. They have been huge supporters of Josh and the club. 

'And the response from the cricket community, both nationally and internationally, just shows how

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