Worcestershire Cricketing Community Unites in Grief Over Tragic Loss of Young Spinner Josh Baker
As the Worcestershire team prepares to resume their season against Kent at Canterbury on Friday, they are grappling with the profound grief of losing their young teammate, Josh Baker, just a week after his sudden passing.
“Guys are still trying to process it,” says Alan Richardson, the head coach tasked with guiding his team through this difficult time. “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.”
The first of these milestones came on Tuesday, as Worcestershire’s players resumed training at New Road, with the flood waters now receded. Baker’s parents, Paul and Lisa, attended the nets to spend time with their son’s friends and teammates, despite their own unimaginable pain. It was an optional session, and selection for the fifth game of the Division One season against Kent was also left to the players, who unanimously decided to return to action in memory of their teammate.
Richardson reflects on the impact of Baker, who had packed so much into his young cricketing life, becoming a crucial part of the Worcestershire setup after rising through the academy ranks and making his first-class debut at just 18 years old. Capped by England at the under-19 level, Baker had shown immense promise, with Richardson recalling his “incredible” unbeaten 61 at Lord’s and his vital 75 against Gloucestershire during last year’s promotion campaign.
To honor their teammate’s legacy, the Worcestershire players will wear Baker’s squad number, 33, on their shirts for the remainder of the season. “The idea came from the lads and it is positioned close to our heart to show that Josh remains there,” adds Richardson, as his team prepares to return to the field, always remembering their fallen comrade.
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