A heartbreaking video shows cricket star Josh Baker taking three wickets in his final match just hours before his death aged 20.

Heartbreaking video showed Josh Baker taking three wickets for Worcestershire just hours before his tragic death.

The cricketing world was left in shock on Thursday when Baker’s club revealed the 20-year-old had died before tributes began pouring in for the talented spinner.

Mail Sport has since learned that Baker was found dead in his flat by a friend after failing to turn up for the start of the match on day three of his team’s match against Somerset.

Baker, who played 47 times for his county after turning professional in 2021, was taking part in a second team match in his home county when he died, with the match abandoned and ruled a draw after the new.

Hours before his death, Worcestershire’s X (formerly Twitter) account shared a compilation of the youngster’s efforts on Wednesday during the match.

Cricket star Josh Baker (centre) was found dead in his flat by a friend after he failed to turn up for the start of the match.

Worcestershire said it was heartbroken by the death of Baker, a 20-year-old spinner, who was found dead on Thursday.

Baker was playing in a second team match against Somerset when he was found by a friend

Baker picked up three wickets with his left-arm orthodox bowling, dismissing Thomas Rew – brother of England prospect James – Josh Thomas and current England star Jack Leach.

He can be seen for the first time taking the wicket of wicketkeeper Rew via LBW, lodging an impassioned appeal before the umpire gives the run-out decision.

Leach’s wicket then fell, the Somerset man lobbing a shot into the air and Baker taking the catch off his own bowling.

Thomas can then be seen falling in the same way, with Baker leaning forward to take the catch.

Baker was due to return to the field at Bromsgrove on Thursday but the match has now ended with Worcestershire’s first team not in action in the County Championship this week.

He had played twice for his team’s first team this season.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan paid tribute to Baker on social media from the wider cricketing world.

“This is so sad… Thoughts with all his family and close friends,” Vaughan wrote.

No further details have been shared about the circumstances of the youngster’s death, with the club asking for confidentiality and respect for his family.

The spinner has played 47 times for Worcestershire County after turning professional in 2021

The left-arm bowler was a traveling reserve for England in the 2022 Under-19 World Cup.

Worcestershire said Baker had “a dynamic spirit and infectious enthusiasm that endeared him to everyone he met”

Former England captain Michael Vaughan paid tribute to Baker on social media

Worcestershire’s statement referred to Baker’s “untimely death” and asked that his family’s privacy be respected.

The statement read: “Worcestershire County Cricket Club is heartbroken to announce the untimely death of Josh Baker, aged just 20.

“During this profoundly difficult time, the club is dedicated to supporting Josh’s family, friends and colleagues. We are united in our grief and determined to honor his memory in a way that befits the remarkable person he was .

“It was his dynamic spirit and infectious enthusiasm that endeared him to everyone he met. His warmth, kindness and professionalism were remarkable, making him a true honor to his family and a valued member of our team.

“Plans to honor Josh will be made in consultation with his family and will remain private at this time. The club, along with Josh’s family, ask for privacy as we mourn this immense loss. No further Comment will only be provided during this sensitive time.

Baker has played twice for his team’s first team this season, which did not play a game this week.

Worcestershire chief executive, former England spinner Ashley Giles, offered a personal message.

“The news of Josh’s passing has devastated us all. Josh was 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,” Giles said.

Baker has taken a total of 43 wickets in 22 first-class appearances, the last of which came against Durham less than a fortnight ago.

He has also played 17 List A and eight T20 matches and was a traveling reserve for England at the 2022 Under-19 World Cup.

The England and Wales Cricket Board also offered its condolences to Baker’s family and friends.

“The ECB is desperately saddened to learn of the passing of Josh Baker,” a statement said.

“This is devastating news. We send our best wishes to Josh’s family and friends, to all who knew and loved him, and to everyone at Worcestershire CCC.