Image Credit- Getty
For the remainder of the season, Worcestershire will honour the 20-year-old left-arm spinner Josh Baker by donning his No. 33 on their playing shirts. Josh Baker passed suddenly last week.
On May 2, Baker, who had participated in two County Championship games this season, passed away unexpectedly. He was a well-liked player in the Worcestershire locker room, having signed his first county contract in 2022 at the age of 17. In 22 first-class games and 25 limited-overs appearances, he claimed 43 wickets. At the under-19 level, he had also represented England.
He had taken 3 for 66 in the opening innings of Worcestershire’s four-day 2nd XI Championship match against Somerset at Bromsgrove School the day before he died. On the last day, the game was called off early. Beginning on May 3, players in the last round of the County Championship donned black armbands as a symbol of respect.
Regarding the circumstances of Baker’s passing, Worcestershire asked for “the respect of privacy” instead of commenting. Baker’s teammates have chosen to remember his memory by wearing his squad number beneath the club crest on the front of their shirts after consulting with his family.
“It is clear from the outpouring of love we’ve seen, following last week’s awful news, that Josh touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” said Worcestershire CEO Ashley Giles in a statement released on Wednesday.
“Wearing Josh’s number on their shirts is a way for the team, and all involved with Worcestershire cricket, to pay tribute to his memory and keep his spirit alive on the field.
“Josh’s mum and dad, Lisa and Paul, have asked us to thank everyone for the hundreds of messages of love and support that they have received since Josh’s passing.
“As we all continue to navigate through this very difficult time, we encourage our members, supporters, and the cricketing community to join us in honouring Josh’s memory and celebrate the life of a remarkable young man who will forever hold a special place in our hearts.”