- Baker and Stokes got here up in opposition to one another with their counties in 2021 season
- The England skipper contacted the then-18-year-old bowler after the match
- Information of Baker’s passing was revealed on Thursday after good friend discovered him lifeless
England captain Ben Stokes despatched Josh Baker a heartwarming message two years earlier than the Worcestershire man’s tragic dying on the age of 20 after they confronted off on-the-field.
Information of Baker’s dying emerged on Thursday, with a good friend discovering him lifeless in his residence after he did not present up for the beginning of play on the third day of his group’s match in opposition to Somerset.
He was taking part in in a second group recreation and took three wickets on Wednesday, together with England star Jack Leach, hours earlier than he handed and tributes started to stream in.
Baker performed 47 occasions for Worcestershire after turning professional in 2021, together with a match in opposition to Durham that 12 months when he was 18, and got here up in opposition to Stokes within the early days of his position as England captain.
Stokes smashed 5 sixes off Baker’s bowling in a single over within the recreation when the spinner was simply 18, however took the time to ship him a textual content message of encouragement within the aftermath.
England captain Ben Stokes (pictured) despatched a touching message to Josh Baker previous to the 20-year-old’s tragic dying
Information of Baker’s dying emerged on Thursday after he was discovered lifeless in his residence by a good friend
His membership, Worcestershire, mentioned they have been ‘heartbroken’ on the dying of the 20-year-old spinner
‘Hey Josh, Ben Stokes right here,’ Stokes wrote. ‘Hope you do not thoughts me sending you a message pal.
‘Please do not let right this moment outline the remainder of your season. Today social media is relentless and a vile place for keyboard warriors and people who find themselves jealous of us that we’re skilled cricketers and so they did not make it.
‘You’ve got acquired severe potential and I believe you will go a good distance. Most essential opinion is from the lads in your altering room, and they’re going to have your again. That is coming from somebody who acquired mmeeeeeeeelted in a T20 World Cup remaining.’
Final 12 months, A video of Stokes’ innings within the recreation was shared by cricket publication Wisden on X (previously Twitter), and Baker replied to the publish, which options a few of Stokes’ photographs off the then-teenager’s bowling.
‘A day to recollect…’ Baker wrote, accompanied by a face with a peeking eye emoji. The publish was Baker’s final earlier than his dying.
Baker was due again on the sphere in Bromsgrove on Thursday however the recreation has now come to an finish, with Worcestershire’s first group not in motion within the County Championship this week.
He had performed twice for his facet’s first group this season.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan led tributes to Baker on social media from the broader cricketing world.
‘That is so unhappy.. Ideas with all his household & shut mates,’ Vaughan wrote.
No additional particulars have been shared concerning the circumstances of the teenager’s passing, with the membership requesting privateness and respect for his household.
Baker took to social media to reference his recreation in opposition to Stokes in what was his final publish on X
Worcestershire described Baker as having ‘vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm that endeared him to everybody he met’
Worcestershire’s broke the information of the spinner’s passing in an announcement referring to his dying as ‘premature’ and asking for his household’s privateness to be revered.
The assertion learn: ‘Worcestershire County Cricket Membership is heartbroken to announce the premature passing of Josh Baker, who was aged solely 20 years outdated.
‘Throughout this profoundly troublesome time, the membership is devoted to supporting Josh’s household, mates, and colleagues. We’re united in our grief and dedicated to honouring his reminiscence in a fashion befitting the exceptional individual he was.
‘It was his vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm that endeared him to everybody he met. His heat, kindness, and professionalism have been exceptional, making him a real credit score to his household and a cherished member of our group.
‘Plans to pay tribute to Josh can be made in session together with his household and can stay personal right now. The membership, together with Josh’s household, requests the respect of privateness as we mourn this immense loss. Additional feedback won’t be supplied throughout this delicate interval.’
