Worcestershire Rapids captain Jake Libby dedicated his side’s One-Day Cup triumph in an emotional tribute to their former team-mate Josh Baker.
Libby stepped in as skipper after Brett D’Oliveira was injured just days before the final and led the Rapids to a thrilling three-wicket win over Hampshire with two balls to spare at Trent Bridge.
Throughout the tournament, the Rapids have worn shirts promoting the JB33 Foundation, set up in memory of the 20-year-old spinner who died suddenly in May 2024.
“He meant so much to us as a group,” Libby told BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester. “We gave his mum and dad a big hug, they’ve been fantastic over the last couple of years.
“We’ve worn him on the front of our shirt and he’s very much at the forefront of our thoughts all the time, and this one’s for him.”
Worcestershire all-rounder Ethan Brookes hit a match-winning 57 off 34-balls to turn a game which looked to be slipping away.
“It means the world,” said Brookes. “I know he’ll [Baker] be looking down at us with a big smile on his face. It’s very emotional.
“We bowled first and knew what the surface was doing, and luckily bat went on ball and cleared the ropes a few times.”