Josh Baker death: Worcestershire have lost ‘a brilliant guy and a fantastic cricketer’, says former coach

Worcestershire have lost “a brilliant guy and a fantastic cricketer” with the death of Josh Baker, says their former coach Shaftab Khalid.

West Mercia Police are not investigating the 20-year-old’s death on Thursday as they believe there are no suspicious circumstances.

Khalid, the England Under-19 spin coach, worked with the left arm as he progressed through the youth ranks with Worcestershire and England.

England captain Jos Buttler and England women’s coach Jon Lewis offered their condolences on Friday.

Worcestershire’s chief coroner has confirmed he received a referral advising of Baker’s death.

“At this time no further information is available until further investigations are carried out,” he added.

Baker’s death was announced just a day after he took three wickets in a county second XI match against Somerset on Wednesday.

“It was devastating having worked with him since I was 16,” Khalid told BBC Sport.

“Worcestershire lost not only a very talented cricketer but also an incredible, wonderful human being. He was such a nice, humble and sweet person.”

Born in Redditch, Baker made his first-class debut in 2021 and represented England Under-19s before signing a three-year contract with his home county last year.

He played 47 matches across all formats, taking 70 wickets, including two County Championship appearances this season, the last against Durham in April.

Khalid, a former Worcestershire player, added: “He was very young when he got his professional contract, but he was trying to help his teammates, to guide them, like an older brother, to help them get a professional contract.

“As such a young boy, he was the heart and soul of the dressing room. He got on very well with all the coaches. “He was a Worcestershire boy, so playing for his county and then for the England under-19 team, the dream came true. was coming true.

“He was an all-format cricketer and had a great future, but unfortunately you never know what’s going to happen in life. It’s a great lesson for everyone. He will really be missed.”

The club has invited anyone who wishes to remember Baker to visit his New Road ground today and sign a book of condolence.

Lewis assistant coach Alex Gidman was Worcestershire’s head coach when Baker earned his first professional contract.

“It’s really shocking,” Lewis said. “I spoke to Alex and he was quite divided about it.

“Cricket is an incredibly small world and it’s really sad. It will be a big struggle for Josh’s family but also for the Worcestershire players and all the staff there and we wish them all the best.”

Buttler added on Instagram: “Incredibly sad news, thoughts and prayers with all of Josh’s family, friends and everyone at Worcs.”