For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Josh Baker, a cricketer currently playing for Worcestershire County Cricket Club. Cricket has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be playing the game I love at a professional level.

Today, I wanted to take you on a journey – my journey from a young lad growing up in Redditch to representing the club I’ve always supported. It’s been a whirlwind few years, filled with challenges, triumphs, and everything in between.

Early Days: The Malvern Spark

My love for cricket began at a very young age. Growing up in Worcestershire, cricket was everywhere – from the village greens to the roar of the crowd at the County Ground. I spent countless hours honing my skills, whether it was in the backyard with my brother or at the local cricket club.

Attending Malvern College was a turning point. The school has a rich cricket history, and the facilities were top-notch. Playing alongside talented teammates and being coached by experienced professionals pushed me to develop my skills further. It was there that I started bowling left-arm orthodox, a decision that would shape my cricketing career.

Worcestershire Debut: A Dream Come True

The summer of 2021 was a special one. After years of hard work and dedication, I signed a rookie contract with Worcestershire CCC. Making my debut for the club I’d supported since childhood was an incredible feeling. Walking out onto the field at the County Ground, the same ground where I’d watched legends like Daryl Mitchell and Vikram Solanki play, was surreal.

There were certainly some nerves, but the support from the crowd and my teammates helped me settle in. My debut season was a learning curve, but I was fortunate to get valuable playing time across formats – First-Class, List A, and the T20 Blast.

Facing Setbacks: The Importance of Resilience

Cricket is a sport that teaches you valuable lessons about life, both on and off the field. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience. Injuries are a part of the game, and in 2022, I suffered a lower back injury that sidelined me for the rest of the season.

It was a frustrating time, but I used it as an opportunity to work on my fitness and come back stronger. The support from the coaching staff and my teammates during this period was invaluable. It helped me stay positive and focused on my goal of returning to the field.

Looking Forward: Representing Worcestershire with Pride

Coming back from injury in 2023 felt fantastic. I signed a three-year contract with Worcestershire, a testament to the hard work I’d put in and the faith the club had shown in me. The 2023 season was a good one for me personally. I felt confident in my bowling and was able to contribute to the team’s success.

Looking ahead, I’m determined to keep pushing myself and improving my game. My dream is to become a regular member of the Worcestershire team and contribute to winning trophies for the club. I also have aspirations to represent England at some point in my career, but for now, my focus is on giving my all for Worcestershire.

Beyond the Cricket Pitch: Life as a Young Cricketer

Cricket is a big part of my life, but it’s not everything. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, watching movies, and playing video games. As a young cricketer, it’s important to maintain a healthy balance between your professional and personal life.

I’m also passionate about giving back to the sport. I believe it’s important to inspire young players and share my experiences with them. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll be coaching the next generation of Worcestershire cricketers!

Thank You for Your Support

This blog post has been a chance for me to share my cricketing journey with you all. I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received from my family, friends, coaches, teammates, and of course, the Worcestershire faithful. Your support is what keeps me going, and I hope to continue making you all proud.

Thank you for reading!

Sincerely,

Josh Baker