JOSH Baker's heartbroken parents have paid an emotional tribute to their cricket star son.
Tributes have flooded in from across the sport and beyond following the tragic death of the talented youngster aged 20.
His parents Paul and Lisa today paid tribute on social media, saying: "We are both broken. Achieved so many of his dreams before reaching 21.
"Take every opportunity to hug your parents and children."
It comes after his county Worcestershire announced his death in a statement released on Thursday afternoon.
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The club, with whom he signed a professional deal in 2021, described him as "a true credit to his family" and "popular figure" within the squad.
The statement read: "Worcestershire County Cricket Club is heartbroken to announce the untimely passing of Josh Baker, who was aged only 20 years old.
"Josh turned professional with the Club in 2021 and quickly became a popular figure within the squad.
"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."
Worcestershire have opened their New Road ground today to allow mourners to sign a book of condolence in his memory.
Kim Tutcher, a former assistant to the house master at Malvern College, where Josh studied, said: 'I can still see you returning back to Malvern; cricket bag or golf bag on your back (or even both), mum following on with hangers full of immaculately ironed shirts, dad carrying the important bags full of kit, snacks and goodies and treats and you cuddling your all important pillow.
"I was so proud of the way you embraced your diabetes, I never heard you feel sorry for yourself or let it hold you back, you organised your medications and told me what to order, it made my job so easy.
"We all celebrated your signing for Worcestershire, a schoolboy one day and a rookie professional the next.
'Dreams do come true, hard work does pay off, the love and support of family and friends is so important and incalculable."
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Josh's death came just a day after he took three wickets for Worcestershire's second XI in a game against Somerset.
The left-arm spinner finished the match with impressive figures of 3/66 from 20 overs as the rain-interrupted fixture ended in a draw.
He had also recently spent the summer playing in Australia for Sydney-based club Northern District.
Photographs shared on his Instagram page show him smiling in various locations around the city.
Baker is seen posing by the Sydney Harbour Bridge and in his club's kit in a number of snaps.
Paying tribute, Northern District CC said on Facebook: "The Club is extremely saddened to hear about the tragic passing of Josh Baker overnight, ND’s First Grade player number 473 and more importantly a great friend to so many of the playing group and wider club.
"Josh had a charismatic personality, was generous with his time and formed close bonds with everyone he connected with.
"We send our condolences to his parents Lisa and Paul, his family and friends and also to everyone at Worcestershire CCC at this difficult time."
Ashley Giles, Worcestershire’s CEO, added: "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."
