Imagine losing your child, only to find solace in the very sport they adored. This is the heart-wrenching reality for Paul and Lisa Baker, whose son Josh, a talented left-arm spinner, tragically passed away at just 20 years old from an undiagnosed heart condition. But here's where it gets emotional: watching England's Ashes victory in Australia, a place Josh cherished, has become their unexpected coping mechanism. As England clinched the Ashes at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Paul couldn’t hold back tears. The last time England won there, 15 years prior, Josh, then seven, was with them, his future brimming with promise. Now, without him, the Bakers are back in Australia, finding comfort in the game Josh loved. England’s stars at the MCG included Josh’s former teammates, Josh Tongue and Jacob Bethell, adding a layer of poignancy to the victory. 'It was a moment of reflection,' Paul shared with BBC Sport, his voice heavy with emotion. 'Seeing England win here brings back fond memories of Josh in 2010.' The Bakers are no strangers to Ashes tours, having first traveled to Australia in 2002-03 when Lisa was five months pregnant with Josh. Cricket was always central to their lives, especially Josh’s, who played 47 games for Worcestershire before his untimely death in May 2024. And this is the part most people miss: for Lisa and Paul, this trip isn’t just about cricket; it’s about keeping Josh’s memory alive. 'Life is too short,' Lisa reflects. 'Josh was our only child. We just thought, ‘let’s do it.’' Yet, the journey is bittersweet. Memories flood their phones—joyful moments that now pierce their hearts. 'We were happy then,' Lisa admits. 'It’s different now, but we’re finding our way.' Despite England’s defeat, the Bakers have embraced Australia, with Lisa even skydiving. The cricket matches offer solace, yet they’re tinged with the sorrow of what could have been. 'England games are comforting,' Paul explains, 'but Worcestershire games are harder. I’d expect to see Josh there.' The Bakers’ connection to the sport runs deep. Josh played age-group cricket with Bethell, who marked his Ashes debut with a crucial 40 in Melbourne. In Noosa, Bethell sought out the Bakers, sharing a moment of connection. Similarly, Paul’s ties to Josh Tongue’s father, a former teammate, added another layer of emotion as Tongue starred at the MCG. Here’s where it gets controversial: while the Bakers find comfort in cricket, they’re also grappling with how to honor Josh’s legacy through the JB33 Foundation, a charity they established in his memory. Raising £65,000 was one challenge; spending it effectively is another. 'How do we change lives?' Paul asks. 'We want to give back to cricket, but we’re still figuring out how.' They’re now calling for guidance, urging anyone with ideas to reach out via the foundation’s Instagram. As they prepare to return home, the Bakers will finish their Ashes trip in Sydney, a city that holds both joyous and painful memories of Josh. Wearing their JB33 T-shirts, they’ll honor him, even as the pain of his absence lingers. 'It hurts like hell,' Lisa confesses, 'but it’s also beautiful.' Their story raises a thought-provoking question: How do we find hope in the midst of loss? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think sports can truly heal, or is it just a temporary escape? If you’re struggling with grief, visit the BBC Action Line (https://www.bbc.com/actionline/) for support.
