Worcestershire to put on ’33’ on enjoying shirts in reminiscence of Josh Baker

Baker, who had made two County Championship appearances this season, died all at once on Would possibly 2. He was once a well-liked member of the Worcestershire dressing room, signing his first contract with the county elderly 17 in 2022. He took 43 wickets in 22 first class suits and 27 in 25 limited-overs appearances. He had additionally represented England at under-19 stage.

The day sooner than his passing, he had taken 3 for 66 within the first innings of Worcestershire’s four-day second XI Championship fit towards Somerset at Bromsgrove College. The fit was once referred to as off early at the ultimate day. Avid gamers wore black armbands as a mark of admire throughout the newest spherical of the County Championship, which started on Would possibly 3.

Worcestershire declined to remark at the nature of Baker’s dying, soliciting for “the glory of privateness” on behalf of his circle of relatives. Having consulted with the circle of relatives, Baker’s teammates have determined to honour his reminiscence by way of dressed in his squad quantity at the entrance in their shirts, beneath the membership crest.

“It’s transparent from the outpouring of affection we now have noticed, following ultimate week’s terrible information, that Josh touched the lives of everybody who had the privilege of realizing him,” mentioned Worcestershire CEO Ashley Giles in a remark launched on Wednesday.

“Dressed in Josh’s quantity on their shirts is some way for the crew, and all concerned with Worcestershire cricket, to pay tribute to his reminiscence and stay his spirit alive at the box.

“Josh’s ma and pa, Lisa and Paul, have requested us to thank everybody for the masses of messages of affection and beef up that they have got gained since Josh’s passing.

“As all of us proceed to navigate thru this very tricky time, we inspire our individuals, supporters, and the cricketing neighborhood to enroll in us in honouring Josh’s reminiscence and rejoice the lifetime of a exceptional younger guy who will perpetually cling a unique position in our hearts.”

Worcestershire will put on the commemorative shirts for the primary time on Friday, after they play Kent at Canterbury in Department One.