Key facts about Sonny Baker: English pace all-rounder who made his debut against South Africa in the 1st ODI

Table of Contents

Sonny Baker made his international debut for England against South Africa on Tuesday, but it turned out to be a dismal start as the young pacer proved expensive with the ball. Despite showing glimpses of raw pace, he struggled to find consistency and allowed the Proteas’ batters to capitalize and recorded the most expensive bowling figures by an England debutant in men’s ODI and was eventually dropped from the second game, leaving room for improvement in his early international career.

1. Early life and domestic rise

Born on August 22, 2003, in Torbay, Devon, Sonny Baker’s cricketing journey began in local clubs before he progressed through the county ranks. He started his professional career with Somerset, where his combination of pace and aggression quickly made him a notable figure in the bowling attack. More recently, he has moved to Hampshire, establishing himself as a key player for them, as well as for the Manchester Originals in The Hundred. In addition to his primary role as a bowler, Baker is a valuable lower-order batsman who provides crucial depth to his team’s lineup.

2. Bowling style and impact

Baker is a right-arm fast bowler known for his ability to consistently reach speeds over 140 km per hour. His bowling is characterized by sharp pace and significant bounce, which he uses effectively to challenge batsmen. Since his professional debut in 2021, he has become an essential force in bowling unit. He has particularly excelled in shorter formats, such as T20 and List A cricket, where he has a knack for delivering match-turning breakthroughs at critical moments.

Also READ: Rashid Khan breaks Tim Southee’s record: Here are the top wicket-takers in men’s T20Is

3. Career progression and achievements

Prior to his professional debut, Baker’s potential was evident through his performances for England’s Under-19 side and various domestic youth competitions. These strong showings earned him a spot in Somerset’s first team, where he continued to build on his promise. His consistent domestic performances have aided his growth and maturity, reinforcing his position as one of the county circuit’s most exciting young talents. His early career also reflects a readiness to step up to higher levels of competitive cricket with confidence.

4. Future potential and national prospects

Although still in the early stages of his career, Sonny Bake has already caught the attention of England’s selectors, earning a place in developmental squads like the England Lions. His exceptional pace and skill set make him a highly regarded candidate to reinforce England’s fast-bowling resources in the coming years. With his continued development, Baker is widely viewed as a vital part of England’s cricketing future, expected to make significant contributions in all formats and potentially become a mainstay of the national team’s pace attack.

Also READ: Suresh Raina picks his top three T20I batters; placing a South African great at No.1