Worcestershire have lost 'brilliant guy and fantastic cricketer'

Worcestershire have lost "a brilliant guy and a fantastic cricketer" with the death of Josh Baker, says his former coach Shaftab Khalid.

West Mercia Police are not investigating the death of the 20-year-old spinner on Thursday having deemed there are no suspicious circumstances.

Khalid worked with the left-armer as he came through the youth ranks with Worcestershire.

England's white-ball captain Jos Buttler and England women's coach Jon Lewis offered their condolences on Friday.

The senior coroner for Worcestershire has confirmed that he has received a referral reporting Baker's death.

“At this moment no further information is available until further investigations have taken place,” he added.

Baker's death was announced just a day after he took three wickets in a county second XI fixture against Somerset on Wednesday.

"It was devastating, having worked with him since he was 16," Khalid told BBC Sport.

"Worcestershire lost not just a very talented cricketer but also an amazing and wonderful human being. He was such a nice, humble and sweet person."

Born in Redditch, Baker made his first-class debut in 2021 and represented England Under-19s before signing a three-year contract with his home county last year.

He played 47 games in all formats, taking 70 wickets, including two County Championship appearances this season, the last against Durham in April.

Khalid, a former Worcestershire off-spinner, added: "He was very young when he got his professional contract but was trying to help his mates, to guide them - in a way like a big brother - to help them get a professional contract.

"Being such a young kid, he was the heart and soul of the dressing room. He got along very well with all the coaches. He was a Worcestershire boy so playing for his county and then the England Under-19s, the dream was coming true.

"He was an all-format cricketer and had a massive future, but unfortunately you never know what's going to happen in life. It's a massive lesson for everyone. He will be truly missed."

The club has invited anyone who wishes to remember Baker to visit its New Road ground today and sign a book of condolence.

Lewis' assistant coach Alex Gidman was Worcestershire head coach when Baker earned his first pro contract.

"It's really shocking," said Lewis. "I spoke to Alex and he was pretty cut up about it.

"Cricket is an incredibly small world and it's really sad. It will be a big struggle for Josh's family, but also for the players at Worcestershire and all the staff there and we wish them all the best."

Buttler added on Instagram: "Incredibly sad news, thoughts and prayers with all Josh's family, friends and all at Worcs."