Hundreds bid farewell to cricketer following his death aged 20

• Details of the spin bowler’s death have not yet been made public  

Hundreds of mourners gathered today to bid an emotional farewell to a talented cricketer following his sudden death aged 20.

Spin bowler, Josh Baker, was found dead at his home in Worcester on May 2 by a friend, after he failed to turn up for a match. 

The popular player had been due to turn out on the third day of the county’s second XI game against Somerset, having taken three wickets just 24 hours earlier. 

Details of his cause of death have not yet been made public. 

Today more than 500 mourners gathered for his funeral at Redditch Crematorium to say a final goodbye to the popular player.

Teammates donned flowery shirts and others wore bright colours at the request of the family to ‘celebrate his joy and positivity’.

His coffin was draped in a flag declaring ‘Forever A Pear’ — a reference to the nickname of Worcestershire CCC.

Memories and comical anecdotes were shared throughout the hour-long service before the congregation left the chapel to the sound of ABBA’s Waterloo.

The service, which was also livestreamed due to the large numbers wanting to attend, was followed by a commemorative event at the club’s New Road ground.

In a tribute read out to mourners, his parents Paul and Lisa Baker: ‘Josh was literally our world, being our only much-loved child.

‘Every decision we made and every thought running through our minds was about providing him the platform to succeed in life.

‘He went on to live every sports mad boy and girls dream by playing professional.

‘We are so proud of everything he did.’

Josh turned professional with Worcestershire in 2021, playing 47 times for the club and twice being capped by England at under-19 level.

He took 70 wickets across all three formats, scored 525 runs and signed a three-year contract with his home county last year.

Following his death, Worcestershire announced they would be wearing the spin bowler’s number 33 on their playing shirts for the remainder of the season.

Ashley Giles, Worcestershire’s chief executive officer, said previously: ‘The news of Josh’s passing has left us all devastated.

‘Josh was much more than a teammate; he was an integral part of our cricket family. We will all miss him terribly.

‘All our love and prayers go out to Josh’s family and friends.’

Worcestershire CCC said in a statement prior to the funeral: ‘This day will be dedicated to honouring Josh’s memory and reflecting on the many cherished moments he brought to our lives.

‘In keeping with Josh’s vibrant personality and spirit, the family requests that attendees refrain from wearing black clothing or bringing flowers.

‘Instead, comfortable, casual, and colourful attire is encouraged to truly celebrate the joy and positivity that Josh embodied.

‘The virtual presence of supporters will also be deeply appreciated by Josh’s family and the Worcestershire County Cricket Club community.’

At the time of his death, the club said: ‘More than his skills as a spin bowler, it was his vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm that endeared him to everyone he met.

‘His warmth, kindness, and professionalism were remarkable, making him a true credit to his family and a loved member of our team.’

Josh was diagnosed as a Type 1 Diabetic aged 13 and donations were made to Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation.

A fundraiser for both charities was also set up on JustGiving and has raised £4,800 so far.

To make a donation to the fundraiser, visit justgiving.com.