Sonny Baker, a 22-year-old fast bowler from Torquay, Devon, has made headlines by making his ODI debut for England in the first match against South Africa on 2nd September 2025 at Headingley, Leeds. Known for his raw pace and ability to swing the ball both ways, Sonny Baker is considered one of the most exciting young prospects in English cricket.
Early Career and Domestic Success
Born on 13 March 2003, Baker began his cricketing journey through the Somerset Academy. He made his List A debut for Somerset in July 2021 and soon impressed with his natural speed and aggression. Over the years, he has been a key performer in county cricket and also featured in The Hundred, where he played for Manchester Originals. In the 2025 season, his consistent wicket-taking ability, especially against top-class international batters, made him stand out and earned him a call-up to the national squad.
Path to International Cricket
Baker’s strong domestic performances ensured his selection for the England Lions, followed by a development contract with the England Cricket Board. His pace, accuracy, and control in the death overs made him an attractive option for the selectors. England’s team management and captain highlighted his potential, describing him as a bowler with the ability to trouble world-class batters with sheer speed and late swing.
International Debut vs South Africa
The first ODI against South Africa in September 2025 marked Baker’s official entry into international cricket. England’s team management backed him to make an immediate impact, praising his variations, yorkers, and confidence at a young age. For Baker, the debut was a dream moment, and for England, it was an opportunity to test a young pacer ahead of bigger challenges like the upcoming Ashes series.
Style and Strengths
Sonny Baker is known for regularly clocking speeds close to 90 mph. Apart from pace, he brings the skill of swinging the ball in both directions and maintaining discipline under pressure. His performances in The Hundred showcased his ability to outfox world-renowned batters in the powerplay as well as at the death.
In a Sky Sports interview, Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain expressed their belief that Sonny Baker has the potential to become a permanent fixture in England’s pace attack. Combining youth, pace, and temperament, he is being nurtured as a future star in both Test and limited-overs cricket. His debut against South Africa is seen as just the beginning, and with the right guidance and fitness, he could play a crucial role in England’s upcoming international campaigns, including the Ashes and World Cups.
Conclusion
Sonny Baker’s ODI debut is a significant milestone in his career and a promising addition to England’s bowling arsenal. His journey from county cricket to international cricket reflects hard work, natural talent, and determination. If nurtured well, Baker has all the attributes to become one of England’s leading fast bowlers in the years to come.